Public toilets under threat in West Somerset (From Somerset County Gazette)

Public toilets under threat in West Somerset

6:30am Tuesday 4th September 2012 in West Somerset By Hannah Green

VISITORS and people living in West Somerset alike could lose out if proposals to cut another service in the region go through.

West Somerset Council has floated plans to permanently close five less well-used public toilets in Blenheim Gardens and the Carousel in Minehead, Church Street in Dunster, Harbour Road in Watchet and Porlock Central in a bid to save cash.

It comes as the contract with recycling and waste company Veolia ends of September 30 and new terms will be agreed for the upcoming three-year contract, which could save £80,000.

The council’s scrutiny committee has agreed that the toilets should remain closed after their normal winter closure on November 1 and a final decision will be made by full council at a meeting on September 19.

But the conclusion will be subject to a full public consultation and discussions with town and parish councils affected to determine whether they are able to take over the running of the toilets in question.