RESIDENTS rallying to save Mersea’s public toilets have collected almost 2,000 signatures on a petition in less than a week.

Businesses, groups, organisations, fishermen, restaurants and other people have come together in a bid to make their voices heard.

Colchester Council will stop funding public toilets across the town in April in a bid to save money. This includes three in Mersea, in Coast Road, High Street and Fairhaven Avenue. The Willoughby Road toilet block will remain open.

Residents are outraged, as they believe the toilets are crucial for visitors, businesses, fishermen and everyone who uses the island.

Resident John Vince, who is co-ordinating the campaign, said: “I condemn the council’s hypocrisy in spending thousands of pounds promoting the borough, including Mersea Island, as a tourist area and then removing the basic needs of tourists.

“I am only too aware councils need to control and reduce expenditure with the high debts the country has. However, basic services have to be maintained. Nothing is more basic than the need for visitors to have use of a public toilet, unless we want people having to drop their pants behind bushes, boats or beach huts.

“The case for closure lacks evidence-based research and will hit tourists, especially children and the disabled.”

Paula Moore, who runs the Facebook page Mersea Locals, has been inundated with support for the campaign. She said: “It is something people are passionate about. The campaign is a group effort.”

The group hope Colchester councillor Tina Bourne, who suggested the closures, will reverse her decision.

Ms Bourne has written to town and parish councils to encourage them to run public conveniences in their area.

She said: “We have looked at other options, such as charging.

However, usage is not sufficient in these areas and, therefore, it is not viable.

“With the crisis in public sector funding, we have difficult decisions to make. It’s important local people have the opportunity to work together to find sustainable and more efficient ways to run non-statutory services they want to keep.”