A CONSULTATION on the future of public toilets in Teignbridge has met with an angry response.

Teignbridge Council has launched the consultation asking for the views of residents on the 30 public toilets across the district.

A spokesman said: ‘No decision around toilets has been made, and the information will be used to better understand the views of residents.’

Residents are being urged to make sure their opinions are heard by responding to the consultation by December 23.

But in Starcross, among other places, the reaction has been dismay.

Many argue public toilets are essential, particularly for those with medical conditions.

County councillor Alan Connett has urged: ‘Please take a few minutes to respond whether you use the loos in Starcross or other places.’

In Starcross, it was pointed out that its public loos are well used by bus drivers and lorry drivers in the area.

Annie Kirk, co-founder of The Helen Foundation charity, said: ‘I have found that walking around in Teignbridge for leisure and healthy exercise is only possible, with my confidence in clean toilets at various junctions, which are kept open and accessible.

‘We in Teignmouth, Shaldon and in Dawlish need more, not fewer.

‘The cleaners are all superb, huge thanks to them, on a daily basis.’

It was also pointed out that the Starcross toilets are situated on the well used Exe Estuary cycle route and also by passengers alighting from the ferry and railway station.

James Aldred commented: ‘The free access to toilets in Teignbridge is so important to so many.

‘This includes but isn’t limited to people with prostate problems, ibs sufferers, delivery drivers and children.’

Bus driver Jamie Coysh stressed the importance of keeping the toilets open at Sherborne Road in Newton Abbot.

He said: ‘In some cases we’re leaving the station late as we need to use the toilet and have to walk to Pearl Assurance House.

‘We aren’t allowed to go into any premises that serve alcohol to use toilets in uniform so Dawlish, Teignmouth and Starcross is really needed.

‘We’re having elderly passengers wet themselves as the toilets in the market and disabled toilet are closed.’

It was also suggested people may stop visiting Teignbridge if toilet facilities are not available.

Dawlish historian David Force added: ‘It’s a ludicrous idea to close all the public loos in holiday resorts such as Dawlish or Teignmouth that attract 1000s of visitors every week for most of the year.

‘They can’t expect local shops to let all and sundry use their facilities.

‘And what about the thousands of people who spend the day on the beach at Dawlish Warren?

‘Where are they supposed to go to relieve themselves! The sea? The dunes?

‘The revenue from the car parks must surely be used for the benefit of those who park in the towns and at the Warren.’

The survey is open until December 23 and can be found at Teignbridge Council’s website.