BUSINESSES in flood-hit Stourport riverside enjoyed a bumper Easter as the sunny weather drew in the crowds.

The late winter rains were forgotten as people piled into the meadows and attractions to get the tourist season underway.

And work started last week to install the long-awaited "super-loo" in Raven Street, near the riverside car parks, to replace public toilets in Bridge Street controversially demolished last year.

"It's nice to get back on track after the floods, not only for us but for the kids," said John Ready, owner of Playland. "It's hardly rained."

The complex used to open in the winter but Mr Ready and his wife Margaret have been unable to since the October 2000 floods.

"We always get some damage - there are certain things you just can't move - but let's hope this Easter bodes well."

Mr Ready added that he thought anti-social behaviour in the area was "no worse or no better" than any other comparable town.

Stourport Motor Boats was also basking in the warm glow of the upturn in trade.

"It's been excellent - I can't complain," said owner Dave Darby.

And Mr Darby applauded the district council's "wonderful" upkeep of the area, saying: "The grass is always kept cut and the litter's always picked up."

But Paul Parson, manager of Shipley Amusement Centre, said the holiday period had been "average," citing a bank error which meant many people did not get paid on time.

He added: "It's early in the year and it's cold."

Andrew Dickens, the district council's head of cultural, leisure and commercial services, said: "Work started last Monday (April 8) to install the super-loo and should be finished in a fortnight, in time for the bank holiday, provided we get no more vandalism."

However, David Taylor, owner of Bridge Street's OK Caf, said: "Super-loo is a misnomer if ever I heard one. It is a totally inadequate replacement."