PUBLIC toilets which were saved from closure following a campaign four years ago have been given a new lease of life.

The Hole in the Wall gents toilets, one of the best-known landmarks in Hawes, have been modernised.

They were scheduled for closure by Richmondshire District Council in 1999 because they lacked running water and electricity.

The outcry from residents prompted Hawes and High Abbotside Parish Council to ask the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to list the building to ensure it remained open.

Although the toilets were eventually not listed, the controversy persuaded district councillors to change their minds.

Now, the building has been modernised, with properly tiled walls, hot and cold water, handwashing facilities and electric lighting.

Street and toilet cleaner Eric Bell, who has worked for the district council since it was formed in 1974, said the toilets' fame extended far beyond the Yorkshire Dales.

He said: "The Hole in the Wall has existed for around 100 years and I am constantly amazed at the amount of people on holiday who take photographs of it."

Local district councillor John Blackie, who is also the chairman of the parish council, added: "The toilets, while gender exclusive, are greatly valued by local residents and visitors alike.

"They are so much better now they have been modernised.

"We very much welcome the district council's investment in this highly convenient convenience."

The works were part of a rolling programme of refurbishment and repairs to public conveniences around the district.

Both the men's and women's public toilets at Round Howe were recently updated.

Improvements included disabled facilities and baby changing units.

The toilets at Gunnerside in Swaledale were refurbished last year.

Richmondshire District Council has responsibility for 26 public toilets, of which 18 now have facilities for the disabled and ten have baby-changing units.