FURIOUS residents packed a public meeting in Bere Alston last week, to protest against the closure of public toilets in the village.

The move follows a cost-cutting review of public conveniences in West Devon by the borough council.

The authority had asked Bere Ferrers Parish Council to contribute towards the running of the toilets — but the request was rejected on grounds that the precept had already been set. The toilets closed on April 1.

Residents who were at the meeting have published a letter in the parish magazine, urging people to write to the borough in protest.

Beryl Mills, one of the authors of the letter, said the closure was 'a terrible loss to the whole of our community'.

She said: 'When originally built, it must have been perceived as a worthwhile amenity, so how much more with an expanded population. The health and safety risk to the public will now become of great concern.'

The letter claims Bere Ferrers is the largest parish in West Devon and one of the largest in the country, with a population of 3,000 plus.

'The residents of Bere Alston were not contacted regarding the closure, or their opinion requested, until it was too late. The parish councillors, who should be acting for our interests, have accepted the decision,' the letter states.

It points out that a children's play area and seating area are near the conveniences, drivers of visiting buses, taxis and lorries use the facilities, the mobile library and resource van park nearby, and visitors will have nowhere to relieve themselves if caught short.

'The closure will see a rise in people urinating in public, much as we see on the continent today. How can you fine someone for relieving themselves in public when there are no public toilets to use? It will be laughed out of court,' the letter claims.

Bere Alston post office has offered to be a collection point for letters. A petition of more than 500 signatures against the closure was presented to the borough's environment committee before the decision was taken.

Ward member Christine Grills also spoke against the closure at the meeting. 'In this day and age the closure is a retrograde step. The Tamar Valley is trying to encourage visitors to the area with walks and cycle routes,' she said.

'Another reason I feel annoyed is Bere Ferrers parish pays the fourth highest council tax in West Devon. Tavistock, Okehampton and Buckland Monachorum pay higher, but we pay more than Hatherleigh, Chagford and North Tawton. I can't see why Bere Ferrers should have to pay more for what we have here,' Cllr Grills said.

Parish council chairman and borough councillor Eaon Wager said the parish council was still considering the issue and no decision had been made on any further action.

Provision of public conveniences is non-statutory, unlike other services like refuse collection. The borough made the decision to closure several toilets following a reduction in funds from central government.