VILLAGERS campaigning to save a public convenience at Shap from closure have so far collected 3,000signatures in support. reports Paul Duncan.

They put a petiition book inside the loos and a sign outside, pointing out that the next nearest public toilets are either ten miles to the north in Penrith or 16 miles to the south in Kendal.

"They could be closed as soon as Christmas," warned campaign organiser John Lowis in response to Eden District Council plans to transfer the management of several public toilets deemed to "serve a lesser tourism need" to local organisations. Also under threat are the toilets at Dufton, Orton and Tebay.

In the case of the public toilets at Shap, it is hoped that Shap Parish Council will step in and look after them but, if this does not happen, then the toilets will be closed.

Mr Lowis criticised Eden District Council for its closure attitude: "They have no idea of the amount of use these toilets get from coast-to-coast walkers, wagon drivers and villagers."

If management of the toilets is transferred to Shap Parish Council it would have to levy an extra charge on the council tax precept, which Mr Lowis reckons would be around £15 a year per household.

Director of technical services at Eden District Council Steve Huddart said that nothing had yet been decided and all options were still being considered, while a spokesperson from Shap Parish Council declined to comment on Mr Lowis's claims. Meanwhile, Penrith and The Border MP David Maclean said Eden District Council needed to reconsider the plan to close and re-classify public toilets throughout the area.