UPSET shoppers have hit out at a supermarket's plans to close in-store toilets, with some arguing the move will leave people "with nowhere to go".

Residents in Shirley are urging Sainsbury's to withdraw plans to remove public toilets from its branch in Redcar Street.

The store has submitted a fresh application to shut the facilities following an increase in anti-social behaviour. 

But residents, shoppers and traders alike have criticised the move, branding it "ridiculous" and "unfair". 

READ MORE: Shirley supermarket in a new attempt to axe in-store toilets

Jenny Puckett, who suffers from cellulitis and lymphedema - a condition that causes swelling in her legs - is among those needing more frequent access to the toilets.Daily Echo: Jenny PuckettJenny Puckett

She said: "There are not enough toilets here, and I need to use them all the time because of my disability. 

"If they shut down, I'll have nowhere to go and I'll be stuck and wetting myself. They need to keep them open and going." 

Sisters Stephanie and Monique Banderstichele were sitting outside the store with their children on Tuesday. They too are against the closure.

Monique said: "These toilets are important not just for us but also for pregnant mums and the elderly.

"They are necessary and an essential part of the community."Daily Echo: Stephanie Banderstichele and Monique Banderstichele Stephanie Banderstichele and Monique Banderstichele

The mother-of-five added: "Sometimes I get frustrated when my kids are throwing tantrums because there is a long line.

"I think there needs to be more toilets in and around Shirley for easier access." 

Stephanie, who has a two-month-old baby boy, said: "My son drinks a lot of milk. I can’t just change him on the street."

Over the past 12 months, the Shirley branch of Sainsbury's has recorded 74 incidents of anti-social behaviour linked to public toilets. 

According to the supermarket, staff are unable to manage them safely and without fear of abusive behaviour.

The elderly, pregnant women and people with disabilities are not the only ones concerned about the plans. 

Hitesh Korat, who owns the post office on Shirley High Street, fears closing the toilets may affect trade.

The 61-year-old said: "The post office is like a community; we see people with disabilities, the elderly, young mothers and pregnant women every day. Daily Echo: Hitesh KoratHitesh Korat

"They are going to stop coming in if the toilets are closed down. 

"There are not enough toilets in the area. What if an accident happens? It is going to take away their dignity." 

The owner of Jim Rolf, a longstanding fruit and vegetable selling business, said people are less likely to go out due to the lack of public toilets. Daily Echo: Phil RolfPhil Rolf

Phil Rolf, 56, said: "I am against any such action. This is going to affect the business because Shirley will become less of a go-to place. 

"I agree there are problems that need sorting out but every problem has a solution if you search hard enough. 

"I think closing is just an easy option for them." 

Sainsbury's original application to close the toilets was thrown out in October last year after sparking 30 letters of objection.

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