Row over closure of Lowestoft loos

THE closure of a seaside toilet block in Lowestoft has sparked a row between the town's MP and council chiefs.Waveney MP Bob Blizzard said he had received letters from beach-hut owners angry at the closure of the toilets at Jubilee beach chalets.

THE closure of a seaside toilet block in Lowestoft has sparked a row between the town's MP and council chiefs.

Waveney MP Bob Blizzard said he had received letters from beach-hut owners angry at the closure of the toilets at Jubilee beach chalets.

Mr Blizzard called for money to be invested in the public toilets, which have not been reopened by Waveney District Council for the summer season. Mr Blizzard said: 'These toilets have served the public well for decades. If they are in need of refurbishment, then they should be refurbished - not closed down.

'This is just another example of the breakdown of frontline services due to the total mismanagement of Waveney finances by this administration. If they can no longer even afford to keep these toilets open, what will go next?'

Deputy council leader Colin Law said the 'deteriorating' first-floor toilets were inaccessible to many disabled and elderly people and claimed Mr Blizzard's accusations of a breakdown in frontline services were 'ridiculous and hysterical'.

Mr Law added: 'We have taken a long, hard look at the provision of public toilets around the Waveney district and, given that considerable work is required to improve the standards of facilities in Lowestoft and beyond, it is important that we direct taxpayers' money towards those that are far easier for people to use.' He insisted the closure of the toilets was a 'last resort' and said there were more accessible facilities within 100 yards.