CONFUSION has marred the handover of toilets from West Somerset Council to Minehead Town Council, it emerged this week.

Having been told in January by council leader Anthony Trollope-Bellew that WSC would 'sell the toilets for a pound and I will give you the pound', Minehead mayor Jean Parbrook said she was dismayed when the heads of terms arrived.

"It was on that basis MTC agreed to take over the public conveniences in the town, subject to them being in a fit state of repair," Cllr Parbrook said.

"Yet when the heads of terms arrived we found that WSC were only prepared to offer the toilets on a 35 year lease, with a three year break clause, in case they should want to sell the land in the future," she said.

"The accompanying letter threatened to sell the properties commercially if we do not agree to their heads of terms by December 16."

The town council replied requesting the freehold transfer as previously promised, but received an initial reply stating that 35 year leases had been offered to all parishes, and that freehold transfers could not be done under public convenience transfer policy agreed by senior management.

"I was horrified at the breathtaking arrogance of WSC in this matter. Why we would want to run these facilities when they retain ownership, and if the new amalgamated council with Taunton Deane can take them back after three years, level them and sell the land for redevelopment?" Cllr Parbrook continued.

With Dulverton Parish Council reportedly having similar issues, the matter will go before WSC Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, November 24.

However just hours before Minehead Town Council on Tuesday night, another response came from James Barrah, the director of housing and communities for Taunton Deane and West Somerset.

Mr Barrah said the council were prepared to consider freehold transfers and requested a meeting to discuss matters further.

West Somerset Council issued a statement on Thursday which said: "West Somerset Council is working with partner town and parish councils to explore asset transfer of public toilet facilities across the district.

"As with any negotiation and in particular asset based negotiations a starting position is required for there to be ongoing dialogue and negotiation in order to achieve outcomes that are acceptable to both parties.

"In this case the best outcome for the community would be for the facilities to remain open, but unfortunately West Somerset Council has found itself unable to continue to afford to operate the toilets.

"However the Council is prepared to be flexible and look at a range of options so that the facilities can be transferred to town and parish councils in order that they may be able to operate these facilities in future.

"Questions regarding leasehold or freehold transfer will be discussed at further meetings as some areas may prefer to take a lease whilst other may prefer freehold, there are pros and cons with each route."

Cllr Mandy Chilcott, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Resources, said: “It’s well documented that West Somerset Council continues to face significant financial challenges.

“We are really appreciative of the discussions that are underway with Minehead, and many other towns and parishes, local residents and businesses right across West Somerset, and I would like to thank them all for that support. I hope that we can continue the dialogue to enable most of the toilets to remain open.

“We fully appreciate how essential the public toilets are for many within our community, and understand that both residents and visitors wish them to remain open. The petition that we recently received was a clear demonstration of this.

"We will continue to work hard to find wherever possible ways forward, and the council looks forward to meeting with Minehead Town Council to continue discussions very soon.”