WEST Somerset residents are being asked for their views on proposals which could see five public toilets closed across the district.

Conveniences in Blenheim Gardens and at the Carousel in Minehead, together with loos in Church Street, Dunster, either Harbour Road or Market Street in Watchet, and Porlock's central toilets could all be permanently closed.

The move is part of West Somerset Council's ongoing drive to bridge an anticipated £1.2 million budget gap and comes less than a year after similar plans were dropped following an outcry from local residents and councillors.

A council spokesman said: "In response to reductions in our funding from Government, the council is reviewing its provision of public toilets across the district.

"As part of the review, we are considering the closure of some of our toilets.

"We are also working with some parish and town councils on alternative options for provision."

The council said it was focusing on the district's least used facilities.

It anticipated that either closing or transferring the upkeep of the toilets to parish and town councils would save around £80,000 a year.

The authority also stressed that there were no plans to close toilets in Porlock's Doverhay car park or the Dunster Steep car park.

Anyone wanting to comment on the closure proposals should click on the 'Have Your Say' link on the council's website at http://www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk">www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk.

Alternatively, paper survey forms are available from the main council office in Killick Way, Williton, or the customer contact centre in Summerland Road, Minehead.

Email comments can also be sent to [email protected]">[email protected], while letters should be addressed to: Ms Sam Rawle, West Somerset House, Killick Way, Williton, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4QA.

The deadline for comments is October 31.