RESIDENTS fear an award-winning public toilet could be on the verge of closure.

The facility in Albert Crescent in Chingford Mount is strongly rumoured to be shutting in three weeks. The loos are regularly used by shoppers and often praised for being spotless.

In 2000 the toilets won the top prize in the annual Loo of the Year awards - a nationwide competition - because they were cleaned to such a high standard.

Regular visitor Brenda Stanning, of Silverthorn Gardens, Chingford, said: "Everyone is talking about it.

"They really should stay open and the MP should be looking into this.

"Buses turn there so drivers use the toilets, it's a crazy decision if it's true."

The 69-year-old said the toilets are free to use but she would accept paying a small charge if the toilets stayed open.

Clyde Loakes, Waltham Forest Council's cabinet member for environment, said: "The council is currently looking at a number of options relating to budget savings across the council and the provision of the sole remaining council traditional public toilet in Chingford Mount is one area we are examining.

"We know there will be extremely tough choices to make in the coming years but we have already saved £29 million and we have a good track record of providing good services while continuing to make efficiency savings.

"We are committed to providing residents and shoppers access to toilets in all our town centres and the Community Toilet Scheme has proved very successful in meeting their needs in a cost effective manner."