ANY hopes of saving Teignmouth's Point public conveniences could be flushed down the loo unless the town council pulls its finger out.

On Tuesday, Teignbridge Council Executive made it clear it was fed up with the town council delaying an answer, and members pulled the plug by deciding the toilets would close from September 29.

It would cost £115,000 to put the toilets right and it agreed to declare the building surplus to requirements, but pointed out that the town council could step in and take it over, or it could be run privately. After meeting representatives of the town council on February 1, it was agreed the town council would discuss the issues involved in assuming ownership and report back by March 31, but a formal response had not been received.

Cllr Jim Grimble said the review of the Teignbridge public conveniences began in 2002. He added that it was clear from the review group that the toilets were in a bad condition and there were difficulties complying with the disabled act.

'It recommended further consultation with Teignmouth Town Council and I would hate to say how many meetings have taken place. That has been going on for four years,' he said. Cllr Geoff Bladon told the meeting he had been approached by a large number of people who were seriously worried about the closure. 'I am sorry the full response from the town council has not reached you by March 31. I understand Cllr Tooley came to an executive to talk about the toilets and closure.

'As far as the town council is concerned there is a response coming to you. There has been a delay in the costings and the exploration of a possible partnership with other user groups in the Back Beach area to try to keep these toilets open. I would ask for a little more time to get that report to you, but I will see we get it to you as soon as possible. 'One hundred and twenty-four thousands people a year use that toilet. It is an asset and it would be morally wrong to close it,' said Cllr Bladon. Council leader Cllr Alan Connett said Teignmouth had been given four years on the matter. 'Not only is Teignmouth Town Council drinking in the Last Chance Saloon, it is so far out it is in the next village,' said Cllr Connett, who added that the executive had not been presented with a report from Cllr Tooley. 'We have been doing our best to help Teignmouth with the play park, etc, but sometimes Teignmouth has to help itself,' he said. Suggesting residents lobbied the town council, Cllr Brian Berman said Teignbridge had fallen over backwards to come to some agreement with the town council. 'It is unbelievable it has not replied in the time we gave it,' he stated. Cllr David Cox said he was disappointed with the town council, of which he is also a member. He maintained that it was unfortunate that the in-fighting in the town council was doing it no good at all. 'People will blame Teignbridge Council, but the fault lies with Teignmouth Town Council. 'We do need to keep these toilets open,' said Cllr Cox. Cllr Bladon chipped in that there were only three councillors causing problems at Teignmouth and once that was dealt with that would be the end of it. Stephen Adams, of the River Teign Rowing Club, told the meeting it had 650 members and it anticipated going through the 700 barrier. 'They come for professional training and we are concerned about the youngsters who will have to go to the Den, or into the town, if the toilets are closed,' he said. James Trout, the Teignmouth-Shaldon ferry operator, asked how the ferryman would cope with his requirements if the loo was closed, and fisherman Orme Vince suggested the council should charge 20p a person to recoup the losses. But Cllr Connett said current legislation precluded local authorities from charging. l Teignmouth town council is to formally ask to take on the ownership of the toilets, writes Hannah Taylor. The move came at an urgent meeting of councillors on Tuesday night. They stayed on after the town's finance and general purposes meeting to deal with the ultimatum issued by Teignbridge Council. Mayor, Cllr Geoff Bladon will head the working party that will be made up of councillors and representatives of groups and users of the back beach. It is hoped that they will put forward a management scheme to maintain the facility. Teignbridge Council estimates costs of £115,000 to keep the loos open. Town clerk David Tickell said: 'The aim is to manage the toilets in partnership with interested parties but it is still to early to say what form that will take. 'But we do want to ensure that the toilets remain open for the use of locals and visitors.'