CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Blue Anchor’s seafront public toilets have launched a £12,000 survival fund which they hope will save the facility from closure next March.
And this week they received a surprise boost from Old Cleeve Parish Council.
It agreed at its meeting on Monday to increase its rates precept by 40 per cent to raise £300 a month for the project. Payments will start in April.
And two council members – chairman Geoff Williams and Cllr Margaret Smith – will join three other campaigners as directors of a non-profit community interest company being organised to hopefully run the venture.
“Within days we have raised over £3,000,” said Alison Hart, a leading campaigner, from nearby Home Farm.
“There is real support locally. More donations are coming in and at long last I am beginning to think that keeping the toilets open is achievable.
“The £12,000 is the amount needed to maintain the toilets during the coming year and we need it very urgently to prove to West Somerset Council that we have a sustainable project.”
Old Cleeve Parish Council had been supportive but was unable to take over the toilets.
“At the council’s meeting on Monday, we heard that they are officially withdrawing from any interest in the toilets which means we will be now able to deal directly with West Somerset Council and feel we can really push forward.”
“We feel we are all ready to go, the company’s being formed and we are getting quotes for building work.”