THE threat of closing some of Ryedale's public toilets has been condemned by town councillors at Helmsley.

They were told by Coun Chris Parkin, one of the market town's two members on Ryedale District Council (RDC), that closing five loos had been suggested in a report by officers to councillors, as a way of saving money in the budget for the coming financial year.

The first three to be targeted were Staxton Brow, to save £5,370 a year, Wentworth Street, Malton, saving £2,430, and Church Street, Norton, saving £2,000.

In a second option, the toilets at Cleveland Way, Helmsley, were highlighted to save £13,030 and at Eastgate, Pickering, which would save a further £12,970.

However, Coun Parkin said he was confident the closures would not go ahead because of the strong feelings held by a number of RDC councillors.

The cost of running all 11 public toilets in Ryedale for the coming year has been put at £148,780.

Helmsley Town Council Chairman Coun Ken Claridge said that to consider closing the Cleveland Way toilets was "ludicrous".

He added: "Helmsley is the honey-pot of Ryedale, and these toilets are among the most used in the district - they are vital to the town."

Coun Jane Barker agreed: "They are a valuable facility and they are particularly needed at the Cleveland Way car park."

The council decided to pursue the matter with RDC because of the importance of the public toilet service to Ryedale, for tourists and for shoppers and other visitors.

Action is being taken by North Yorkshire County Council's highways department to ban waiting vehicles in Boro Gate. Area traffic manager Tony Wright said the action was expected to be put on a list of highway schemes to be investigated.

Councillors criticised the felling of trees by the Forestry Commission at Cowhouse Bank which had created a potential danger for vehicles running off the road. Coun Claridge said the bank was a popular observation point for visitors. It was agreed to investigate the matter.

Pleas by Coun Peter Silk to have a Victorian-style playground roundabout retained as a piece of nostalgia, were turned down by fellow councillors. He said it was a feature which could be used as permanent seating following its removal as part of the new investment in the town's main playground park. It was agreed that a rocking horse play item should not be sold because it had been provided by public subscription.

The council is to be represented by Lord Feversham at a March seminar for councils, including Helmsley, seeking Quality Council status.

Updated: 09:55 Wednesday, February 25, 2004