Community volunteers at Blue Anchor are flushed with success having not only assured the future of their sea front loos, but also saved Taunton and Somerset West Council tax payers from spending a penny for the service

This week the core volunteers and helpers gathered to celebrate the fifth anniversary of their take over by welcoming two cheeky figures custom built by Minehead steel sculptor, Stephen Heard.

Since taking over the loos from the former West Somerset District Council five years ago, the volunteers have to form a limited company with (Unpaid) directors in order to comply with strict guidelines for public facilities

directors are: Geoff Williams, Alison Hart and Margaret Smith plus helper Terry Smith who carries out regular maintenance.

Commented Geoff: "When we discovered five years ago the former district council were closing them due to the high running costs, we felt we could not allow this loss

It would have been awful with desperate people needing the loo they would have been using the beach instead."

Since taking over, the volunteers have not only improved the condition of the rundown facilities, they have also provided the district’s only public loos open 24/7.

The volunteers, who provide their services free, are supported by two local cleaning ladies Sharon and Anna

As well as providing the toilet maintenance, the volunteers have also attracted grants from the likes of the National Lottery, former district council, plus private donations and regular financial help from the Old Cleeve and Carhampton Parish Councils

Their main source of income is voluntary contributions from toilet users.

But Mr Williams has warned: "As running costs for electricity and water continue rising, we need to seek other ways for cash donations to reach us "

"But at the end of the day we are committed to keeping the toilets open for visitors and the whole community with public support."

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