?104,000 has been spent installing two public toilets on Douglas Promenade.

Douglas Borough Council has opened the two-cubicle unit on Queen’s Promenade – and will charge 20p a go.

The project saw the old underground toilets removed and the area re-landscaped – the new toilets are semi-automatic, vandal resistant and have baby-changing facilities.

Outside the toilet block features artwork illustrating the civilian internment during the First World War.  

Environmental Services Committee Chairman Ritchie McNicholl says: "Installing these new toilets is in response to a survey the council conducted which identified a clear need for public conveniences at this end of the promenade. 

"It also complements the council’s commitment to town centre regeneration and the future investment it will be making in the scheme to upgrade Douglas Promenade.

"The living roof of sedum is not only low maintenance but also provides insulation and serves as a biodiversity-boosting measure, so reflects the island’s current ranking as the only entire nation in the world to hold UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status."

Mayor of Douglas Jon Joughin added: "The quality of a town’s public conveniences is an indicator of a local authority’s commitment to providing high-quality public amenities.

"The investment Douglas is making in its public toilets sends out an unequivocal message that even in these challenging economic times the council is determined that the Island’s capital should project a positive image as a desirable place to live, work and visit."