Jon Bates, of Stokenham, Kingsbridge, writes:

I read with disbelief that South Hams Council was seeking to charge a fee to use a public toilet in various 'tourist hotspots'.

It seems council policy is to fleece the public whenever and wherever possible.

Tourists should not be viewed as easy targets to save a few pounds on council spending–- they are the lifeblood of the whole region.

There is no doubt that tourists generate and spend a large amount of money in the area through the year, but locals also use and visit the areas concerned. Neither should be seen as walking cash machines.

The council has a duty to provide and maintain certain public facilities within its area.

To help in fulfilling its obligations, it must come up with sensible and practical money saving ideas that will work.

This is not an easy task and it seems the council is just not up to the challenge.