Sheringham mayor brands closures loo-dicrous

Sheringham mayor David Gooch has described controversial plans to close public toilets across north Norfolk as 'loo-dicrous'.

And he is urging cash-strapped council chiefs to pull the plug on the proposals.

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) has identified five toilet blocks which could be scrapped or redeveloped in a bid to save money after agreeing its budget last month.

They are: St Paul's Lane, Overstrand; under the Melbourne slope, Cromer; Lusher's Passage, Sheringham; Highfield Road, Fakenham; and Wells Quay.

Mr Gooch said: 'It's ludicrous. I've received several comments about that from people who say this cannot, it should not, take place - they must be saved one way or another.'

Sheringham Town Council members warned the town's reputation as a top tourist attraction could suffer unless there is a rethink, and the lack of loos could impact on major events in the area.

And they unanimously agreed to write to NNDC to demand more details.

Mr Gooch, who revealed the Town Council could consider taking over responsibility for the loos, said: 'I think it is very much a fait accompli because they set their budget the other day.'

But he added: 'We can try.'

NNDC pointed out it does not have to provide public toilets but did so because it was good for tourism. But its 39 public conveniences cost £675,000 annually to run.

One idea being explored by the council was talking to businesses such as pubs and cafés to see whether they would provide public toilets.

North Walsham councillor Virginia Gay warned: 'Any administration that seeks to close public conveniences will find itself in the middle of a quite considerable battleground.'