I READ the article on public toilet facilities (Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, November 3) with incredulity. I find it difficult to believe that Herefordshire Council is considering closing existing toilet facilities over a wide area because of the actions of a tiny minority and to save money. This must be the most ludicrous idea we have heard for a long time.

To suggest that toilets encourage anti-social behaviour is equally absurd. If our facilities are being abused by perverts, drug addicts and vandals then it cannot be beyond the wit of man to bring some of them to account. Other towns have reasonably vandal-proof facilities and, whilst there is no guarantee against the really determined vandal or graffiti artist, any port is most welcome in a storm.

As for anti-social behaviour, just imagine the situation without our loos. If our county councillors are now aware, urinating in our streets, front gardens, against parked cars and in public areas is all too common in Ledbury. A recent visit to the town by the Cardiff Male Choir was marred by youths urinating at will around St Katharine's Hall and telephone booths.

Our local police force is already under pressure to maintain law and order and withdrawing public toilet facilities will only encourage anti-social behaviour, not eradicate it.

As for saving money, then I can only suggest that our priorities are considered first, and one of the highest priorities must be public hygiene. I hope the response to any thought of closing our public toilets is vociferous and with the contempt it deserves.

D STONES, Hillfield Drive, Ledbury.