HUNDREDS of people are backing a petition calling for the public toilets at Starcross to be kept open.

The popular toilets are on a list of possible closures being debated by Teignbridge Council when it meets on Tuesday.

The cash-strapped council says closing the toilets in Starcross will save it £18,500 a year.

Within the first 12 hours of the petition to save Starcross toilets being launched it has been backed by more than 500 people - with more signing by the minute.

Cllr Alan Connett, the Liberal Democrat county councillor for Exminster and Haldon, which includes Starcross, said: ‘We have just four days to save the toilets at Starcross.

‘Teignbridge councillors will be meeting on Tuesday and they have the power to keep the toilets open.

‘Starcross toilets are very well used. They’re right on the Exe Estuary Trail and a convenient call for walkers and cyclists. They’re right by the train station and also handy to use for passengers on the Starcross ferry, as well as drivers - including local bus, lorry and delivery drivers.

‘I am overwhelmed by the support for the petition. It shows just how much local residents and visitors to Starcross value these toilets.’

Overall, Teignbridge is looking at closing 15 of its public toilets which could save a total of around £260,000 a year.

It is hoping that local town and parish councils will step in to take on the toilets, or that they might be found other uses.

However, if no-one takes on these unwanted loos, council officers are recommending the toilets are shut in April 2027.

Cllr Connett added: ‘Teignbridge has created a 'score card' giving each toilet a rating. If a toilet scores nine or above then it will stay open.

‘In the case of Starcross, it scores eight. In my view, the scoring appears subjective and open to question.

'For example, the toilets are Decoy Country Park in Newton Abbot get the top score of five for 'strategic alignment' with the council's objectives.

‘They are the only toilets to score five in this section. Important as Decoy toilets are, I question this scoring which has, conveniently, given them an overall rating of 9 to stay open.

‘The toilets in Starcross are regarded as the second most important across Teignbridge according to a public consultation undertaken by the council last year.

‘I hope the petition is so well supported that Teignbridge will listen to the community and keep these toilets open,' added Cllr Connett.