Pat Burns, of South Milton, Kingsbridge, writes:

Could anyone please explain to me why we are now charged 20p to use the public conveniences on our beautiful quay?

After having a lovely time shopping at the farmers market, then using the local shops and finishing off with a lovely coffee, you can imagine my need to use these conveniences.

Luckily I did have a 20p in my purse, but I watched ­several people looking quite bemused by having to find a 20p while loaded up with ­shopping and in dire need of relieving themselves.

I saw several people heading for the Creeks End pub; and who can blame them when it’s the nearest place to relieve themselves if they did not have a handy 20p.

The following day I visited Salcombe, which I might add was absolutely heaving with people. I needed the public ­convenience facilities, got all ready to have to find 20p to do so, and lo and behold! – the no-charge toilets were spotlessly clean, the hand-washing ­facilities were all working and there was lots of hot water in these machines, which was amazing.

My question is, why do we have to pay in Kingsbridge and not in Salcombe?

Perhaps it is because the ­harbour offices pay for the upkeep of this facility, in which case I have answered my own question.

How can we encourage visitors to our lovely Kingsbridge, with all its local shops, the farmers market and our usual lovely weekly markets, then ask for 20p to spend a penny?

Come on now, we can’t have it both ways.

I know cutbacks have to be made and money is really tight, but I really feel our visitors will not pay this 20p and instead will just use local businesses’ facilities.

Again, I would like to know why the public do not have to pay for using toilet facilities at North Sands? Or am I missing something here again?

I think there should be a sign placed above the doors of the toilets on the quay proclaiming: ‘Pay as you go!’