THE imminent decision to close five public toilets across the Rochford district has sparked concern and outrage among residents.

In a bid to save money, the cash-strapped district council will try and pass the toilets to parish and town councils but, failing this, all but the Hockley Woods toilets will be closed.

This includes toilets in Back Lane, Rochford, Southend Road, Hockley, High Street, Great Wakering, Ferry Road, Hullbridge and Crown Hill, Rayleigh.

But residents feel this will be detrimental to the wellbeing of the community’s most vulnerable, particularly the elderly and disabled.

Richard Lambourne, 63, is chair of the Rayleigh Action group and is appalled at the plans.

He said: “I think it’s a disgusting development really. We have got an ageing population and public toilets are a necessity.

“The council is trying to promote commerce in places like Hockley but closing the toilets will mean people just will not go there.

“We need an open debate so the public are aware what the alternatives are.”

“I would be more than happy for them to increase council tax by one penny if that meant the facilities could remain open.”

Councillor Adrian Eaves, representative for the Rochford District Residents Group, says many residents have raised concerns.

He said: “I have had more than 40 people contact me about this since Saturday.

“The report to cabinet actually states categorically that this decision will affect the vulnerable. A lot of the emails I have had are from people with medical conditions who feel they won’t be able to go out if this goes through.”

Councillor for the Environment, Dave Sperring, said: “This is an unprecedented time for local authorities in terms of the budget constraints that we face. Therefore, we have been working much more closely with town and parish councils in order to make the most of our resources.

“We have been considering all options, including whether to construct replacement toilets, which would then be run by the parish/town councils.

“If this is not possible we would seek to consult with residents before going ahead with any closures.”

The issue will be discussed at a meeting of the cabinet tomorrow.