It was claimed Fylde's reputation as a tourist destination was going down the pan due to a lack of places for visitors to spend a penny.

There was a particularly angry response after large queues formed during public events at Fairhaven Lake and St Annes Pier, opposite the town hall.

But now Fylde Council chiefs are addressing the problem with a solution which they claim will not cost taxpayers a penny.

Toilet firm Danfo will build the toilets at a cost of £125,000 with Fylde paying back the money from charging people 20p a visit.

Coun David Eaves, cabinet member for environmental wellbeing, said: "We have recognised the problem at Fairhaven Lake and opposite the town hall. The works are being carried out and initially paid for by Danfo and will be funded by the money that is brought in.

"We recognised the importance of this to the public and hopefully this will sort the problem out."

The move follows 72 complaints about a lack of toilet facilities and members of the public using grassed areas and bushes as an alternative during Easter.

At a council meeting earlier this year, Coun Barbara Pagett said the lack of public facilities could damage the reputation of Lytham and St Annes as tourist venues and St Annes' bid to win classic resort status.

Welcoming the new facilities, she said: "This will be money well spent. They're definitely needed – at one stage you could see the queues at St Annes Promenade from the Town Hall."

The original public toilets at Fairhaven Lake were closed in 2008, although have been re-opened at peak times will continue to be so until the new facilities are installed.

The new toilets are now expected to be given the go-ahead at a cabinet meeting next week.