Volunteers have helped spruce up Kingsdown Toilets after residents had their say about keeping them open.

Concerns about 'cottaging' at the conveniences in Undercliffe Road prompted the parish council to ask villagers to write in with the views about whether to keep paying £6,000 a year to Dover District Council to maintain them.

Cottaging is to perform homosexual acts in a public toilet.

Both police and Dover District Council (DDC) say they are not aware of any recent reports, but Parish councillor Richard Siddans told members he had received information that such anti-social behaviour was taking place, but police have received no reports.

Residents responded in favour of maintaining the WCs and also suggested cleaning them up for tourists.

A band of volunteers have joined councillors in clearing the overgrown weeds and adding colour with hanging baskets.

Parish clerk Katie Amaouche said: "Residents in general wished to see the parish council still give a grant towards the maintenance of the toilets.

"However we listened to residents views and have worked as volunteers trying to improve the exterior.

"We have also asked DDC to improve the maintenance and general cleanliness if they wish to continue to have the council’s financial support."

Sarah Wilson, chairman of the parish council said: "We want to improve the facilities in and around the parish and make them more appealing to residents and holiday makers to use throughout the summer months.

"We want everyone to enjoy Kingsdown beach and would like to remind all who do so to please take their rubbish home with them."

As well as the toilets, the council has been repairing parish benches and other areas.

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