A DISPUTE over proposals to close public toilets in remote moorland villages looks likely to be settled.

Scarborough Borough Council wants to close lavatories in Aislaby, Commondale, Egton, Fylingthorpe, Robin Hood's Bay, Runswick Bay, and Westerdale as part of its scheme to improve public toilets throughout the borough.

The move has led to angry protests from residents and parish councils in the Esk Valley area of the North York Moors National Park because they say the toilets are needed for the growing number of tourists to the park.

Now, the park authority is being recommended to help by taking on the ownership and management of four of the toilets, at Aislaby, Commondale, Egton and Westerdale.

Andy Wilson, the park's chief executive, said the action would lead to a net increase of £10,170 a year in operational costs to the authority, in an agreement with Scarborough council, which has since agreed to keep open the toilets in Runswick Bay and Robin Hood's Bay, and in a possible new agreement with the parish council at Fylingthorpe.

"Well-placed, well-managed facilities such as public toilets are important in making many visitors feel welcome and developing confidence regarding visits to the countryside" he said.

Mr Wilson said the park also planned to incorporate information points in the toilets because they are close to public rights of way and are in popular holiday villages.