A TAVISTOCK woman this week claimed West Devon Borough Council was breaching human rights by withholding disabled toilet keys unless a cash deposit was paid for them.

Claire Perkis, who is registered disabled, last week visited the council offices in Kilworthy Park to pick up a key for the public toilets in Tavistock — and said she was stunned when she was refused one.

Ms Perkis said: 'I didn't have any cash on me — I wasn't expecting to have to pay anything.

'I offered to write a cheque that they could hold as cash but they wouldn't accept it — I couldn't believe it.

'I have always paid my taxes while I was able to work. They've used council tax payers' money to buy those keys — why should they have the interest on my money while I have a key? It's like paying twice for it and it's a breach of my human rights as a disabled person.'

The council charges a £4 deposit for a key to the disabled toilets in the borough.

A spokesman for West Devon Borough Council, said: 'The nationwide Radar key scheme is run by Disability Rights UK — the largest national pan-disability organisation led by disabled people.

'The cost of a key is £4. The price is set nationally. West Devon Borough Council sells the keys as a service to residents with disabilities. The council does not make a profit from selling them.

'People who buy a radar key can get their money back if they return it. You can pay by cash, debit card or cheque. This is the first complaint the council has received about the cost of the Radar keys.'