A TAKEOVER bid could be launched in a last-ditch bid to save public toilets from the axe.

Tendring Council wants to save £60,000 a year by getting rid of ten loos across the district.

Hundreds of people have already signed a petition to save the Walton’s Mill Lane toilets and public lavs in Old Way, Frinton.

Now there are calls for the town council to take over the running of both facilities and save them from closure Walton councillor Jack Robertson said: “I put forward that if Tendring Council wants to gift us the toilets then we would take them on.

“Our MP was at a residents’ meeting and he was in agreement with us.”

Town mayor Robert Bucke said the council was only prepared to splash out a token 1p to Tendring so residents can continue to spend a penny at the under-threat toilets.

He said running the loos would have to be paid for from existing resources or a small increase in council tax, and called for them to be protected by listing them as assets of community value.

Frinton councillor Terry Allen said the town council would do a good job of running the loos.

“Whenever this council has done something, we have done it well,” he said.

“But Tendring Council has £4-5million they have in reserves so £60,000 is a drop in the ocean.

“I think it is a disgrace. This is a holiday town and so is Walton.

“To lose them is going to be dire and I am glad the MP is backing this so hopefully we will get some movement.”

Walton’s Delyth Miles said she would be “over the moon” of the town council took over the loos, but called for “considerable investment” to smarten up the Mill Lane toilets.

“I would be very happy if the town council took over those toilets in Mill Lane,” she said.

“Some of the comments I have had is they are pretty grim and tatty.

“There is nothing more off-putting than for tourists to have to use grotty toilets.”

Town councillor and Tendring Council toilets boss Nick Turner said the district authority would be “pleased in principle” to have talks with anyone who wanted to take over the running of the loos.

Meanwhile, campaigners fighting to save the toilets say the response to their ‘We Want a Wee’ petition has been overwhelming.

Organiser Steven Walker said: “I have distributed hard copes around the town and got a very positive response from every shop, the local vicar and Women’s Institute.

“It’s a broad spectrum from young mums through to older people. I’ve not yet met anyone who doesn’t think it’s a good idea to keep the loos open.”