North Norfolk council urges people to help save public loos

North Norfolk District Council has previously announced it is looking to shutter six toilets in Potter Heigham, Weybourne, West Runton, Walsingham, Hickling and Stalham, while eight others will face winter closures.

The authority is also conducting a review of all of the toilets it manages to see if there are any further sites they could close next year to make extra savings needed to plug a £1.3m deficit.

Stalham's only public toilet is to close (Image: Newsquest)

As part of this review, it is calling on groups such as parish councils, local businesses and charities to come forward if they are able to run the facilities to prevent any further closures.

At a full council meeting, Lucy Shires, cabinet member for finance, urged people to get in touch if they can be of assistance.

Lucy Shires, cabinet member for finance at North Norfolk District Council, has called on people to come forward if they can help support the running of public toilets (Image: NNDC)

Ms Shires said: "If anybody in the district has got an urge to support our public toilets we would welcome any conversation, not just today but in the coming months and years, to ensure that we can try and keep these public services open."

So far, the six sites identified for closure are due to a lack of use, with the exception of Weybourne.

The Weybourne eco-toilet has been forced to shut due to it being abused by campervan owners (Image: Newsquest)

The eco-toilet there has been forced to shut after being abused by motorhome owners dumping chemical waste in it. 

"It is not an exaggeration to say we are sweeping the leaves out," Tim Adams, leader of the Liberal Democrat-controlled council, told the meeting.

Christopher Cushing, leader of the Conservative group at North Norfolk District Council (Image: North Norfolk District Council)

The move to shut public toilets has caused "deep concern" among Conservatives at the authority, said councillor Christopher Cushing - leader of the group.

"It may not be a statutory requirement to run those facilities but we believe it should be a high priority given the tourist economy underpins north Norfolk," he added.

Tim Adams at Cromer seafront (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest)

Mr Adams said in response: "The proposals have caused some disquiet. We want to consider the transfer of facilities where there is a revenue monopoly by other businesses or organisations.

"We need space to have those discussions."