PARISH councils in West Devon last week heard they were to lose public conveniences in their areas ? unless they were willing to pay for them.
At a meeting in the borough council offices in Okehampton, officers and councillors told the parishes that a budget cut of nearly £800,000 meant harsh decisions had to be made about non-statutory services provided by the borough.
The cash crisis means the borough is proposing to close public toilets at North Tawton, Drewsteignton, South Zeal, Northlew, Sampford Courtenay, Bere Alston, Buckland Monachorum, and Brook Street in Tavistock. The only way they will be kept open is if the parish councils pay for them.
The controversial scheme is sparking strong views in some areas ? a petition has already been started in Bere Alston to protest at the proposal.
But David Inman, West Devon deputy chief executive, said last week?s meeting had been ?constructive?.
?I think there are a number of parishes who are interested in taking on their toilets,? he said.
Mr Inman said the borough has extended the date by which precepts need to be received from the parishes, in an effort to help them in their budget planning.
Other public toilets in West Devon will only open on a seasonal basis. They are at Bedford Bridge near Horrabridge, Brentor, Bere Ferrers, Lopwell, Lydford, Princetown and Leg O? Mutton at Yelverton.
Mr Inman added: ?We are having discussions with Dartmoor National Park Authority and Tamar Valley Services to see if they can help us at all in these instances.?