SANDBANKS residents are furious their multi-million pound properties are being used by visitors needing the toilet after the only public loos on the peninsula were closed.

People queuing in their cars for the popular chain ferry used to be able to pop out and use the toilets next to the slipway.

But since Poole council closed the block in a cost-cutting move, tourists caught short face a 1.2 mile walk to the nearest public toilets and back again.

Wealthy homeowners say people are now relieving themselves inside their front gardens, up against their walls and down a side alley.

They have put up signs telling visitors not to use their properties as a public convenience and on Monday night the issue was discussed at the AGM of the Sandbanks Association, which was attended by 80 people.

Locals have complained of the unpleasant smell and have taken to disinfecting affected areas themselves.

Ken Sansom, chairman of the Sandbanks Association, said: "People are making a mess here there and everywhere, which isn't the kind of thing residents of Sandbanks expect to have to put up with.

"The issue of public toilets was raised at the AGM. There were 80 of us there, which is a great turnout, and each and every single person cared about this issue.

"It is true that some residents have put up signs to stop people from urinating on their premises, which due to the scale isn't too far-fetched in my opinion."

The block of toilets have been in place since the 1960s.

In peak summer months cars can queue for an hour to reach the ferry.

An official sign on the locked door of the loos states they are 'currently not available'. Somebody has used a blue felt tip pen to put an asterisk next to the word 'currently' and written beneath it 'Permanently! Thanks Poole Council."

A second notice pinned up reads: "The Sandbanks Association is angered and frustrated at the closure of these toilets. They were closed without consultation."

It invites members of the public to write and complain to the local councillor responsible for public toilets in the borough.

Emma Sabine, manager of the Haven Ferry Cafe, which is next to the toilets, said: "People are using the side of our business as a toilet constantly, I've caught a number of people in the act.

"It's really unpleasant for my members of staff, customers and passers by.

"We've actually resorted to going out and disinfecting the area ourselves because the nasty lingering smell was affecting business.

"We appealed for the council to keep the toilets open on the weekends and during school holidays but they're just not willing to compromise."