PUBLIC toilets in Poole’s town centre could be shut in an attempt to save £300,000 by the council.

The toilets in Chapel Lane, Quay Visitors, Quay Watch Station and Kingland Road Bus Station have all been recommended for closure.

Poole Borough’s cabinet will decide whether to go ahead with the recommendation at a meeting on Tuesday.

Read the public toilet review proposal here Toilet review proposal.pdf

The decision is all part of the council’s attempt to save £11.5 million over the next four years after central government cut its funding to local authorities.

And closing the town centre’s public toilets and introducing the Community Toilet Scheme to the area will save the council £300,000.

The scheme, which is already in place in Canford Heath, Broadstone, Hamworthy and Parkstone, invites businesses to allow members of the public to use their facilities for free during opening hours.

Poole Museum, The Lighthouse, Sainsbury’s and the Spire Cafe have already shown interest in the Community Toilet Scheme.

But the latest these toilets will be available is 8pm - which is when The Lighthouse, and Sainsbury’s close.

According to the council closing the toilets will also reduce anti-social behaviour.

A review on the facilities revealed that people are using the Quay Visitors and Chapel Lane toilets for drug use and somewhere to sleep for the night.

Shaun Robson, head of environment and consumer protection services, said: “The council is currently undertaking a review of public toilets and a report going to cabinet on February 9 recommends the closure of four town centre public toilets.

"Instead, we will be offering better toilet provision to residents and visitors together with businesses and partners in the town.

"We are aware that these toilets are used inappropriately and this is one of many factors influencing our decision.

“We will always work with our Housing and Community Services Team to assist rough sleepers.

"We take the hardship faced by them, particularly during the cold weather, very seriously and have a dedicated provision in place to help provide support and shelter where ever possible.

"If anyone is concerned about a person sleeping rough then please contact Streetlink on 0300 5000 914, and help to connect that person with the local services available.”