SIR — In all the discussion about the further closure of public toilets in cash-strapped West Somerset, no mention has been made of the fate of the facilities closed in the last round of cuts.

Porlock, enterprising as ever, found an alternative use for the Parsons Street block, but living opposite the toilets in The Parks, Minehead - closed since September 2008 - is a far from pleasant outlook.

The doors are boarded up but this does not stop disappointed visitors and van drivers from relieving themselves in the porch area, perhaps understandably since the nearest facility is well over a mile away.

Heaven only knows what the dank interiors must now be like, but I can only think it must be becoming a health hazard, especially since we have had an infestation of rats in the area this summer with distinct tracks leading across the grass.

I understand that a budget was agreed a couple of years ago to demolish the building but funding was not forthcoming and the work has been postponed indefinitely.

Perhaps if any other facilities are definitely to be closed, disposal of the buildings should be an obligatory part of the agreement.

All of Minehead's parks, and especially the profusion of lovely flower displays around the town, are a credit to the Parks Department, but this sort of dilapidated eyesore does nothing to reward their efforts - those who work so hard to enhance our environment and the townspeople themselves deserve better!

Rita Tremain,

The Parks,

Minehead.