UNTIL March this year, I suffered the effects of an enlarged prostate for some 10 years.

Large numbers of men over 50 know the problems this causes and I became more and more restricted in what I could do because I had to worry where the nearest toilet would be.

More and more public toilets are being closed, often with the excuse of vandalism or inappropriate behaviour' but actually just to save money.

Village toilets and roadside toilets have suffered, and as my problem increased so travel and visiting the countryside became more difficult.

Now I have had an operation and my condition has improved but I still need public toilets.

I have moved to a seaside resort where I thought there was a good provision, only to find that toilets are being progressively closed down.

The economy of Morecambe depends on two main groups the holiday trade and the large population of retired people. The latter group is increasingly important for its spending power and it is essential that the city council recognises this when making decisions about toilet provision.

The term inappropriate behaviour' has been used referring to men meeting in toilets for sexual purposes. However, the closure of toilets will lead to other inappropriate behaviour people peeing in public places.

It's already fairly widespread late in the evenings, but the closure of public loos will lead to car parks, parkland and alleyways being used as toilets in the daytime.

Everyone who disagrees with the closure of toilet should writes to his or her local councillor or to the city council now.

Newcomer, Torrisholme (full name and address supplied).