SIR, Eden District Council have yet to make a final decision on the public toilets in their care.

Reading through the papers presented for debate I see they highlight public toilets as "holding potential for making significant savings"; nowhere in their discussions can I find any acknowledgement that they are a public service, essential to the comfort, dignity and health of ratepayers and tourists alike.

Of the 22 toilets in their charge, only seven are deemed to be of such "strategic importance" that EDC is willing to continue maintaining them.

Four are earmarked for closure.

It is suggested that the remaining 11 be taken over by local councils. If they are unwilling to do so, those "toilets would face closure".

If, on the other hand, they take them on, EDC would cover cleaning and maintenance costs for the next three years only. In the case, for instance, of Appleby's Market Hall they would pay about £13,000 each year until the fourth year, when they would contribute £500 towards costs, leaving Appleby Town Council to find £12,500.

It looks like Hobson's choice for local councils lose your toilets now, or be forced to close them in three years' time (and take the blame).

Maggie Clowes Appleby