A HUNDRED people braved the weekend rain to launch a bitter protest over a controversial decision to close public lavatories in Upton-upon-Severn.

An army of local residents gathered outside the King's Head yard to demonstrate over a decision to shut the lavatories in Lower High Street.

Malvern Hills District Council decided in April, to close the facilities, along with others in Malvern and Tenbury Wells, as part of a cost-cutting drive. As a result, it has received considerable criticism.

The two prospective parliamentary candidates for West Worcestershire at the next general election, Conservative Harriett Bald-win and Liberal Democrat Richard Burt, were among those demonstrating.

Grahem Bunn, landlord of the King's Head in Lower High Street, said: "We get people walking through our pub all the time to use our facilities. Most of them don't ask permission and don't buy anything.

"It has added a lot of expense for us in cleaning and toilet paper."

Harriett Baldwin led the march along with Malvern Hills councillor Mary Wilkinson, and said it showed how bitter people felt about the closures.

"I am glad so many people turned out for the rally," she said. "There were people in wheelchairs, there were people with small children, there were elderly people and people on diuretics.

"Local democracy is all about listening to local taxpayers and here in Upton-upon-Severn they are sending a clear message. They want the High Street toilets re-opened and they want them re-opened soon."

Peter Webb, of the Upton-upon-Severn Tourism and Trade Association, said: "The toilet closure is a major concern. Whether the march will make a difference, I don't know - but we will keep up the pressure and not give up."

Because of the closure the nearest public lavatories are now a quarter of a mile out of the town centre at the car park in Hanley Road.

Coun Di Rayner, leader of Malvern Hills Disctric Council, said: "The decision made was partly a hygiene one and partly because of the budget.

"We have to think about the impression it gives people, and those toilets are disgusting. To refurbish them and keep them clean would have added one per cent on the council tax."