COUNCILLORS have decided to keep public toilets open in Newquay after plans to sell the facilities were panned.

Newquay Town Council’s environment and facilities committee has agreed to reopen one accessible toilet cubicle at both Chester Road and Pentire Headland for the summer season from April 1 to September 30.

The authority has made the U-turn after Pentire Residents’ Association and nearby businesses including the Lewinnick Lodge and The Kraken refreshment kiosk warned there would be lasting damage to the area of outstanding natural beauty if the Pentire Headland toilets were sold.

They acknowledged the town council is not “flush” with cash to keep the facility open all year round, but appealed for the Pentire Headland toilets to be opened during the summer.

Newquay Town Council had previously decided to shut the Pentire public toilets after Cornwall Council “chose” to transfer Pentire Headland car park to the Cornish Heritage Trust. The Chester Road toilets were closed because of low usage.

The town council was advised 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 the environment and facilities committee meeting on Thursday, February 19, for further work and options following the backlash.

Pentire Residents’ Association vice chairman David Evison said: “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.”

Pete and Jacqui Fair, the owners of the Lewinnick Lodge, added: “We strongly urge the council to retain the public toilet facilities in this remote area due to the essential role they play in meeting basic public health and community needs.

“Given the location’s remoteness, there are no alternative public facilities available.

“If these toilets were to be closed, our premises would become the only remaining place accessible to the public for toilet use, which is neither appropriate nor sustainable.”

Sarah, who runs the Kraken said: “Closing for the winter months where footfall is minimal understandable but not opening for the season will be catastrophic.

“People won't stop needing the loo just because the doors are locked, especially when advertised around town on posters as being a public facility location. They will end up using the bushes, headland, the shelter, or as non-patrons crowding the toilets at The Lewinnick and The Fern Pit which will definitely be unwanted footfall.”

The environment and facilities committee also agreed updated summer opening hours for the other town council operated public toilets, which will open from 9am to 6pm from April 1.

The revised hours “reflect operational pressures” and the “repeated vandalism,” which impacts “maintenance, safety and the ability to keep sites open for longer periods.”

The town council plans to undertake a long‑term review of all its managed public toilets in Newquay.

The review will consider future provision, funding and maintenance requirements, community toilet schemes and other potential options for improving facilities.

The committee will also engage with key stakeholders to ensure local insight is reflected in the development of any future plans.

Mayor Cllr Drew Creek said: “‘The town council continues to review its extensive network of toilets through a longer-term strategic plan.

“We need to be more efficient in the way we deliver public conveniences here in Newquay and look at all options which could include which sites are viable, potential partnerships as other towns have done and consulting with residents and visitors alike, as well as using the data we collect on usage.

“The toilets at Chester Road and Pentire Headland, which have been closed over winter, will have limited opening throughout spring/summer and I am pleased the council has aimed to set consistent opening times for the season ahead.”