VILLAGERS have been counting men and women who go into their public toilets - as part of a campaign to prevent them from being closed.

Local residents hope to prove there is a need for the conveniences, which are under threat as a cost-saving measure at Staindrop, near Barnard Castle.

Jennifer Priestley, who is leading the campaign, has collected 274 signatures on a petition to prevent the closure, plus daily totals of people who use the lavatories.

She said: "People who live nearby, as well as staff in a hair salon, are keeping a check on the totals. This shows that around 22 people are going in every day at the moment.

"The total will be more if evenings are added, and more still when residents and visitors are wandering round the village in warmer weather. We all know there is a definite need for these amenities."

Teesdale District Council has said it will close the toilets and some in other villages unless parish councils agree to pay half the running costs.

But Staindrop Parish Council says they are not its responsibility, and is sending three representatives to put its case to the larger authority.

Mrs Priestley said: "It may seem trivial to some people, but this facility is important for shoppers, tourists and ramblers. If they close, we'll have people going down back lanes to spend a penny."

Teesdale council says savings are needed to avoid a sharp rise in council tax.