THE demolition of public toilets close to a busy Poole shopping street has ended a lengthy campaign to retain them.

Residents, businesses and shoppers were desperate to keep the Jubilee Road loos, which Borough of Poole had earmarked for closure, however a 2,000 strong petition from the Ashley Road Traders Association failed to save them.

The block had been subject to vandalism and incidents of anti-social behaviour and was closed in February 2014. It would cost £15,000 to re-open with annual running costs of nearly £14,000, said the council.

However traders, who fear the effect on their businesses, sought to have them made a community asset while they investigated taking them over and running them. But the cost and legal responsibilities made this unfeasible.

“I am sad that the council has put money to one side to demolish the building,” said Mike Ockenden, chairman of Ashley Road Traders. “That money could have been used to refurbish the building and re-open it.”

He said the council had promised six community toilets for people to use at businesses along lengthy Ashley Road but there were only three. One was at a café which closed mid-afternoon, another at a pub and the third at Waitrose.

“Traders are saying shoppers are telling them they won’t shop in the street because of the lack of toilets,” he said. And finding the toilets closed some desperate people were finding secluded places nearby to relieve themselves, he added.

Cllr Phil Eades, who represents Branksome West, called it: “A sad day for community facilities in Upper Parkstone”.

He said: “The council has pressed on with the demolition of these much-needed local facilities despite there not being an adequate alternative plan in place.”

The council said it was working to increase the number of businesses taking part in the community toilet scheme.

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for a prosperous and sustainable Poole, said they believed the scheme offered a better service with clean and well-maintained facilities, open later.

“The Jubilee Road toilets were in a poor state of repair and would require substantial investment and on-going funding to remain open,” she said.

“We have looked at all options for maintaining public toilets in this area, including the community taking over the responsibility for their provision, and the community toilet scheme is the only viable option.”

The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of the month and the site will provide four car parking spaces.