The Norfolk Wildlife Trust has said it has no plans to install toilet facilities at a popular north Norfolk beach, despite a petition calling on them to do so.

More than 180 people have signed a petition started by Rosemary Parkinson on the site www.ipetitions.com calling for better facilities at the Cley Beach car park, which the trust manages.

The nearest public toilets are at the Cley Marshes Visitors Centre - about a mile away by road from the beach car park.

The petition reads: "Last year Cley beach was exceptionally busy and was treated as a public toilet. This is a health hazard and spoils the beautiful beach.

"Record numbers are expected again this year. We, the undersigned, suggest a temporary toilet at Cley beach car park would solve this problem."

Among those supporting the petition is Emma Blount, a north Norfolk resident who grew up in Cley.

She said: "We need a loo at Cley beach. All that beauty, bird watching, swimming, walking and frolicking, makes people need a poo.

"The nearest public loo is a mile away by the village hall. The nearest cafe or restaurant is half a mile away, and often closed because of the 'coronavirus.

"We can't have this precious part of the great outdoors being used as a public toilet."

But Nick Morritt, the trust's visitor centres manager, said: “We are aware of the additional impact on the coast of the increasing visitors this year and last.

"Norfolk Wildlife Trust has no plans for additional toilets beyond the increased provision at the Cley Marshes Visitor Centre since 2015.”

Commenting on the petition, one supporter said: "I have been coming to Cley beach for 65 years and even when there were loos years ago they were poor.

"Now the beach is so much better known, and the population older, we do need something for humans and some enforced regulations around dogs also."

Another supporter said: "Please install toilet facilities that prevent waste and maintain this beautiful beach.

"It should be celebrated and protected, not left for people to pollute."