THE beach resorts of Colwell and Totland are being blighted by their disgusting public toilets, it has been claimed.
Isle of Wight Council ward member Cllr John Howe said the amenities were an embarrassment to the area and a far cry from the picture-postcard beauty of the West Wight featured in holiday brochures, which attract tens of thousands of visitors every year.
While new super loos have sprung up in other parts of the Island, Cllr Howe said little investment had come Totland and Colwell’s way, leaving their vital beach toilets in a very sad and sorry state.
The Isle of Wight Council said it had invested significantly in improving public conveniences across the Island but had to prioritise work according to greatest need.
Cllr Howe told the CP: "Slapping on a bit of paint is not enough. They are a constant source of complaints from visitors and residents and need a full revamp to bring them up to standard."
At the very least, he called for hot water, new soap dispensers and taps so people could wash their hands properly.
He also called on the Isle of Wight Council to rebuild the loos at Totland Recreation Ground, which were demolished last year.
"We get football teams up there regularly and there are no toilet facilities for them," said Cllr Howe, who has started a petition.
"The Isle of Wight Council spent £80,000 doing up the toilets in the middle of Newport. I believe they could have split that money and brought more toilets up to a certain standard."
The council’s director of environment and neighbourhoods, Stuart Love, highlighted the new facilities in Ventnor, Yaverland and Wootton and said construction work on conveniences in Shanklin would begin in the winter, with a major refurbishment of the toilets at Eastern Esplanade, Ryde.
"In the West Wight, the council is currently refurbishing the toilets at Moa Place, Freshwater," he said.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk