BATTLING to prevent the closure by

Waverley Borough Council of Haslemere’s only public toilets, the town council agreed unanimously last week to run the High Street car park itself.

Waverley’s cost-cutting proposal to shut the toilet block and redirect users to loos in nearby shops or cafes, caused outrage.

Haslemere’s mayor Malcolm Carter threatened to chain himself to the toilets as a last resort and an online protest attracted more than 800 signatures in a week.

The countdown to closure became more urgent in June after the council shut public conveniences in Godalming and Farncombe.

At a full meeting of Haslemere Town Council last Thursday, members agreed to take over the toilet block, subject to the authority being able to negotiate a satisfactory 10-year lease with the borough council.

The intention is to operate it under a licence, prior to a full lease agreement being signed.

Ongoing running costs will have to be factored in to the 2018/19 and subsequent budgets and the operating costs for this financial year will be met from an earmarked reserve, with the balance coming from its community fund.

Mr Carter said: “It is our intention to upgrade the facility to Haslemere standard, in other words something to be proud of.

“I am grateful to the 800-plus signatories who gave us confidence to proceed and a sympathetic ear from Waverley. It is ‘win- win’ for both councils.

“Our work now begins to get the place thoroughly cleaned and fit for use.”