A PETITION has been launched to block Southend Council’s proposed plans to introduce charges to use public toilets, amid fears it will cause “havoc”. 

Tony Cox, Conservative councillor responsible for the West Shoebury ward, has set up an online petition against the proposed introduction of charges. 

As things stand, all Southend Council-owned toilets in the city and on the seafront are free to use. 

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However, it has been proposed that Southend Council seeks an external operator for its public facilities with the “opportunity for charging”.

Mr Cox said: “In the budget the administration is proposing to start charging for toilets.

“This is causing a lot of angst.

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“Also in my own ward, I have two public toilets, probably more than most. One at Shoebury Common, which is used quite a lot for people who use the park opposite.

“Also, one on Campfield Road. This is used by people going to the doctors, using the pharmacy, and the other local shops there, which are quite well used.

“My fear is that people, to avoid paying the charge, will just urinate or defecate elsewhere rather than the toilet.

“This would cause havoc for residents who live near public toilets and visitors to Southend.”

Other Essex seaside towns have toilets which charge, including in Frinton, while the practice is also commonplace in cities across the country.

The petition currently has ten signatures, but will be running until April 8.

Mr Cox added: “People just won’t pay to use a toilet, full stop. That is why people don’t use them in some train stations.

“This petition now allows people to make their feelings known.”

In response, Paul Collins, councillor responsible for asset management and inward investment, said: “The reason that councils are having to consider measures like this is because we have endured over a decade of Government cuts. In Southend alone we have lost 90 per cent of our main Government grant, and are currently facing 10% inflation, rising energy and fuel costs and ever increasing costs and demand for our services. Our budget protects the most vulnerable, but we have had to make difficult decisions and choices.

 “The upkeep and maintenance of the public toilets is very important to our residents and visitors, and it has been agreed that work is done to secure an external operator to run them. This could include an option of charging for some or all of our public toilets, to help fund investment and their continued operation, maintenance and upkeep. A full economic appraisal and analysis of options will now need to be undertaken.”