Shaldon’s public toilets are to stay open and free to use – although charges haven’t been ruled out as a future option.

The parish council voted on last week (October 8) to take over the toilet blocks in The Strand and at the Ness, which the district council won’t be funding after April 2027.

Councillors also agreed to raise Shaldon’s council tax precept to pay for the upkeep of the toilets, but to find other ways of funding the refurbishments needed to make the loos properly fit for purpose.

This includes continuing to push the district council for a contribution.

The general feeling is that Shaldon Parish Council has been left with no choice - take over the loos, or lose them altogether.

Residents made their feelings clear at a public meeting in September, and in emails and letters to the council.

They overwhelmingly supported keeping both toilet blocks open, but narrowly preferred a pay-to-use system rather than a rise in council tax.

Many thought Teignbridge District Council should continue running the loos at the Ness. They serve the car park and beach, both of which are run by the district council, along with Shaldon Zoo and Shaldon Approach Golf Course, which are the district council’s tenants.

But parish council chair Cllr Jo Cumbley told the meeting that if the parish refused to pay, ‘there’s too high a chance that the Ness toilets will be closed, and the businesses, beach, tourist information centre and car park would be left without toilets.”

Although both sets of loos need improvements, this can’t happen until after next year’s visitor season.. This is also the earliest that a pay-to-use system could be installed, if the council does decide on that option.

A spokesperson for Shaldon Parish Council said: “In view of the feedback received from our residents, the Parish Council will be urgently considering how best to fund this much–needed refurbishment program.

“Options to be considered will include a crowdfunding initiative, grant applications, voluntary donations to use the toilets, and business sponsorship.”