A PETITION has been organised in an attempt to save the public toilets in Bere Ferrers from closure.

The decision by West Devon Council's environment and health committee to save almost £9,000 by closing seven public toilets, including Bere Ferrers', aroused anger among villagers.

A petition started at the recent Watersports event attracted 249 signatures.

Local resident Irene Sheaf, who was involved in a campaign some years ago to stop the council spending between £9,000 and £10,000 on the small loos when there were other projects in the village that needed funding, said they thought it a lot of money to spend at the time.

'But having spent it, why close them now?' she asked. 'Everybody's saying the same thing: that we now have the railway heritage centre up and running, there is a cycle trail through the village, it is very popular with people riding horses and walkers, and the toilets are also used by children playing in the playing fields.'

Mrs Sheaf said the conveniences were also used by boat-owners. They were also heavily used during village events, such as the Watersports.

Copies of the petition are at the Old Plough, the Lanterna and the Post Office.

Cllr Christine Grills, West Devon Borough councillor for Bere Ferrers, said she had been 'flooded out' with calls and stopped in the street by people complaing about the decision.

'I went to see the council officer concerned last week and they are going to be talking to the parish council hoping they will take on the responsibility,' she said.

'I will be presenting the petition to the officers at West Devon, with a copy to the parish council, together with a letter explaining why I think it necessary they should be kept open.'

Cllr Grills said that although the village was small, it had a lot of visitors. In addition, as there were no facilities at the nearby church, people attending funerals used the toilets.

Mary Taylor, clerk to the parish council, said they had received a letter from West Devon Council prior to the meeting when the decision was taken, indicating that they were considering closing some public conveniences to save money, but the letter had not stated which toilets were involved so they had awaited further information.

Nothing further could be considered or done by them, she said, until the borough council had come back to them with more details and financial implications if the parish council was to take over the toilets.

The toilets are due to close on February 1 next year if they do not receive a reprieve.