CONTROVERSIAL plans to sell public toilets in Newquay have been opposed.

Pentire Residents’ Association believes there will be lasting damage to the area of outstanding natural beauty if Newquay Town Council votes to offload the Pentire Headland public toilet.

The town council also proposes to sell the Chester Road public toilets.

The authority previously decided to shut Pentire Headland toilets after Cornwall Council transferred Pentire Headland car park to the Cornish Heritage Trust and the Chester Road toilets because of low usage.

The town council was recommended to agree to the disposal of Chester Road and Pentire Headland facilities resulting in asset release at its meeting on Wednesday, January 21 in exempt business. But councillors decided to refer the plans back to its environment and facilities committee for further work and options.

It follows Pentire Residents’ Association writing to the town council outlining its concerns and proposals for an alternative solution which the group asked the authority to consider.

The resident’s association stated it appreciates the financial challenges of keeping the Pentire Headland toilets open all year round but appealed to the town council to consider keeping the facilities open from April 1 to September 30.

Pentire Residents’ Association, in a letter to the town council, said: “We remain concerned that it will have damaging unintended consequences for the surrounding area which warrant further consideration.

“We understand the decision regarding the Pentire Headland toilets falls within the wider context of a broader review of public conveniences across Newquay. As part of that, we would suggest the location of the Pentire Headland facility requires different considerations from those which might apply to other facilities, for the reasons summarised below.

“If a town centre public convenience is closed, most people will find another nearby facility to use. However, when confronted with a closed public convenience on the edge of open common land, some people will instead resort to “outdoor toileting” with obvious environmental health and clean-up cost implications.

“Long-term closure of the toilet block would effectively create another derelict building in a town where these are becoming increasingly problematic. Indeed, we are aware that the Derelict Buildings Working Party has recently been re-established to address these rising concerns.

“Unless appropriate security measures are put in place, presumably at significant cost, a neglected building in such a remote location is likely to become a target for vandalism and other criminal activity.

“The pitch and putt and the Kraken refreshment kiosk on the land adjacent to Pentire Headland has been a popular visitor attraction for many years. It is also widely used and highly valued by local residents.

“Understandably the lady who runs it is very concerned that the closure of the toilets will seriously impact the future viability of her business. Firstly, she would have no other nearby facility to use while working there. Secondly, she fears the absence of nearby public conveniences would deter customers from visiting. Thirdly she is concerned that the issues highlighted above would have a damaging and detrimental effect on the surrounding area making it generally less appealing to visitors and local residents.

“As outlined, we are concerned that the closure of the Pentire Headland toilets could cause serious, lasting damage to this area of outstanding natural beauty and the facilities it offers.

“At the same time, we appreciate the financial challenges of keeping the toilets open all year round. Taking these considerations together we would ask Newquay Town Council to consider keeping the Pentire Headland toilets open from April 1 to September 30.

“That would cover the period when demand is greatest due to the high numbers of visitors, including those using the South West Coast Path. It would also substantially reduce the detrimental impacts outlined above and should provide a more viable overall income vs expense equation for Newquay Town Council.

“We hope you agree this represents a practical compromise which addresses the needs and concerns of all parties.

“We would be happy to discuss this proposal further if required and we look forward to your response.”