North Norfolk District council has been accused of “dithering” over responding to a petition which hopes to save a run-down block of toilets in Sheringham.

North Norfolk District council has been accused of “dithering” over responding to a petition which hopes to save a run-down block of toilets in Sheringham.

The East Promenade loos were closed by the council back in 2005 because of their poor condition and inaccessibility for disabled people.

But many residents, with the support of north Norfolk Conservative parliamentary spokesman Trevor Ivory, have campaigned against the closure and the subsequent opening of temporary toilets, which they feel are too small.

In February a 2,000-signature petition calling for the old block to be reopened and refurbished was delivered to the council and Mr Ivory expressed frustration that he had not received a response.

He said: “It is time the District Council realised that the people of Sheringham will not just shut-up and go away on this issue.

“We are fast approaching the start of another tourist season and yet again, Sheringham is at a disadvantage because of a lack of investment by the District Council. This dithering must stop.”

District council leader Virginia Gay said the council had been giving the petition its full attention and was preparing a response.

She said the cost of refurbishing the old block would be more than �70,000 - and even then they would not be suitable for disabled people - and concerns about the temporary toilets were being looked at.

She added: “The District Council was already committed to a programme of refurbishment of public conveniences throughout the district of �415,000, not simply in Sheringham. In addition a further capital budget for public conveniences upgrades of �200,000 was confirmed on February 19th when it was voted through full council.”