Relief as Praa Sands gets its loos back

Jon Matthews and wife Nikki of Friends of Praa Sands reopened the refurbished toilets

Visitors to one of Cornwall's most popular beaches can breathe a sigh of relief with the reopening of public toilets.

The facilities at Praa Sands, near Porthleven, have been refurbished thanks to the Friends of Praa Sands, a local volunteer group.

It stepped in and took over the lease from Cornwall Council after they were closed about a year ago.

"We felt it was necessary to do something ourselves and now we've done them up, they're probably the cleanest toilets you'll find anywhere right now," said Jon Matthews, chair of the group.

The loos cost 50p a visit and a card reader helps with cashless visitors

The newly revamped loos, which replace temporary toilets, come at cost.

But most visitors are happy to pay a 50p charge, aid Mr Matthews, "because it means they've got access to proper toilets on a beautiful, long, golden beach".

The group has even installed a card reader to accommodate cashless visitors.

Looking ahead, the group is exploring ways to reduce reliance on volunteers during the quieter winter months, including installing turnstiles.

"It's brought the community together in a really positive way," said Mr Matthews.

"I never thought running a toilet block could be fun, but it is.

"You're chatting to people, keeping things clean, and it just works."