Long awaited toilet block for Blackpool seafront

The lack of public loos on South Promenade in Blackpool has in the past led to tourists knocking on hoteliers' doors asking to use their facilities, while councillors have campaigned for several years for amenities.

Now operator Danfo, which secured planning permission in 2018 for new conveniences, is close to completing work on the scheme.

It had been thought the development on Flagstaff Gardens, between the Pleasure Beach and the Velvet Coaster pub, would open before Easter but work has been delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Waterloo ward councillor Derek Robertson, who is also a hotelier, said: "From the start of me becoming a councillor for Waterloo ward I realised that Blackpool South Shore did not have toilets open for the public to use.

"From 2014 I lobbied Blackpool Council to have these public toilets and the council come out in agreement with myself.

"I am delighted the project went ahead and the building is looking good. We should have had the official opening before Easter but because of the current situation it's going to be delayed.

"I am happy along with the local residents and businesses that we now have public toilets.

"Before the toilets there were visitors knocking on hotel and guesthouse doors asking if they could use their toilets."

The new facilities will be the only public conveniences along the stretch of the Promenade from Starr Gate to Central Pier.

Also included in the development is a retail kiosk and a paved seating area.

The site previously housed the Carnesky's Ghost Train before it closed in 2014 and was later dismantled.

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