COMMUNITY-run public toilets in Blue Anchor could be in danger of closing unless more funding can be found.

Old Cleeve Parish Council warned this week that sufficient money will not be available from the authority in future.

On Monday (November 17), the council finally approved a grant of £3,000 to the Blue Anchor Toilets Community Interest Company (CIC) which had been frozen by a committee from last year.

The council also agreed to grant the charity another £6,000 for next year.

But council chairman Cllr Judith Stabb warned: "We have to absorb costs for so many applicants and treat everybody fairly.

“They will have to find alternative methods of future funding."

Cllr Phil Gannon said it was essential the toilets stayed open otherwise people would be defecating on the beach.

He reminded members that if the toilets closed, the facility would go back to the council to run.

Former council chairman Geoffrey Williams, representing the CIC, read a report stating that in 2016, Old Cleeve was the only council in West Somerset which declined to take over its public toilets.

He said the building had been maintained by volunteers ever since, providing a clean, modern public service.

Mr Williams said: "Your council's new grants policy will limit any grants to a maximum of £2,000.

“This includes future support for Blue Anchor toilets that will make our future untenable.”

Leading CIC member Margaret Smith told the Free Press: “Without loos, visitors will get upset and angry.

"It will be difficult, but in future we will have to get everybody to make sure they pay every time they use the toilets.

“Without this, we are lost.

“Thousands flock here for the unique views of the sea and hills, to walk on our beaches, and fish.

“We must ensure we provide for all their needs."