The first stage of a �2.75m project to refurbish Blackpool's public toilets is under way.

Three of the new "superloos" for visitors and tourists have been built at the central car park, Bethesda Square and Harrowside.

They are the first in a project by Blackpool Council to bring the resort's public conveniences up-to-date.

Three more of the toilets will be in use by January next year.

Payment deferred

The investment includes a deal with operators Danfo, which allows the council to defer payment over the 15-year term of the contract.

Councillor Fred Jackson, of Blackpool Council, said: "We needed to be able to make a real difference to our public toilets now.

"This marks the end of climbing up and down stairs to go to a council-run public toilet, and we hope it also heralds the end of vandalism and misuse."

The facilities include disabled access, a warning alarm, automatic flush and air conditioning.