ALMOST half the district's public toilets could be closed as Teignbridge Council struggles to balance the books.

Also facing the axe is the CCTV system that covers Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey and Dawlish.

Authority leaders said tough choices had to be made in the face of shrinking financial support from the government.

The cuts they have proposed could save £200,000 a year and help leader Cllr Jeremy Christophers keep a promise to freeze council tax.

'That's the number one pledge and what we were elected for. It's the best way we can help a maximum number of average households,' he said this week.

Jeremy Newcombe, of Newton Abbot and District Chamber of Trade, claimed Teignbridge's withdrawal from the CCTV scheme would be 'disastrous'.

Town development manager Sally Henley said: 'I believe that CCTV is an intrinsic element of maintaining our thriving town centre and keeping us competitive with neighbouring large towns and cities.'