PUBLIC toilets on Ryde Esplanade have been closed today (Wednesday) due to fire damage.

The ladies toilet block on Eastern Gardens is closed after a fire was started in one of the cubicles last night (Tuesday).

The fire caused 'serious smoke damage' to a toilet, Ryde Town Council said.

A spokesperson from Ryde Town Council said: "We are disappointed and saddened by having to close the ladies toilets at Eastern Gardens due to smoke damage."

"We look to get these back in working order as soon as possible."

The closure means no ladies toilets remain on Ryde Esplanade, with the closest on St John's Road, almost a mile away from the seafront.