THE row over the future of public toilets in moorland villages near Whitby has taken a big step on the way to being resolved.

Scarborough Borough Council, which wants to close the toilets at Egton, Commondale, Ruswarp, Aislaby, Westerdale, and Bank Top at Robin Hood's Bay, as part of a plan to upgrade other toilets in the borough, has agreed that an offer be made to parish councils to enable them to take over the public toilets in their area.

The council has also turned down an offer for a partnership arrangement with the North York Moors National Park authority because of the long-term financial commitment spanning 25 years, which would have been involved.

Councillor Eileen Bosomworth, the council leader, said the aim was to reach a satisfactory solution for all parties. Councillor Dorothy Clegg, the cabinet member for public health, said there would have to be give and take on the issue by the parish councils.

Esk Valley parish councils and residents have opposed the closures because of the increasing number of National Park tourists.