A WEYHILL senior citizens group demonstrated on Wednesday against a pants decision to knock down a toilet block.

Members of Weyhill Seniors Club waved knickers and boxer shorts in the air in protest at the George Yard toilet block demolition, before heading off on a day trip.

The group had used the car park toilets as a stop-off point before excursions.

Group leader Sheila Green said: “I did write a letter to the council about the Weyhill Seniors. We all stop here [en route] for holidays and stop offs. Otherwise going into the Chantry Centre is too far for some of us.

“We hope they will get toilets up near here.”

Members told The Advertiser they participated in the morning protest as they want more toilets available.

Pat Good said: “We hope there will be more toilets we have to go running around looking for toilets. There’s not that many left, only the ones in the cafés and they don’t always like it.”

Eileen Hallett added: “I think it is disgusting they have closed it, I really do.”

Work to demolish the block began 1 March, which has now been replaced with new tarmac, a raised pavement and bollards to form new parking spaces.

The George Yard toilets have been closed since last summer on the grounds of public health and safety due to drug use.

A new Community Toilet Scheme has been rolled across the town centre in which businesses have agreed to open up their toilets to members of the public without users having to make a purchase.

In return the council will pay each company £1,500 per year.

These facilities are in addition to existing facilities in the Chantry Centre.

A spokesperson from Test Valley Borough Council, said: "Due to the Council's Community Toilet Scheme there are now more toilets, in more locations and open for longer than before the George Yard toilets were closed.

"The coach parking facilities in the town centre are adjacent to the bus station very close to the Chantry Centre public toilets and we are making sure that all coach companies are aware of that."