A plan to close five public toilets and introduce charges at two others has been criticised.

Eastbourne Council officials said the toilets at Gildredge Park, Hampden Park, Devonshire Park, the Oval and Old Town Recreation Ground have been earmarked for closure because they are not used enough.

The council has been told it must make savings of £500,000.

Opening hours for all public toilets in the town will be reviewed.

Charges could be introduced at toilets in North Street and Hyde Gardens. People already have to pay to use toilets on the seafront.

Chris Berry, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary hopeful, said he opposed the plan.

He said: "We consider public toilets in the town to be an absolute priority. We get a lot of elderly visitors and if there's one thing they need it's a loo.

"We would never consider closing any more toilets - enough have gone already. To me this sounds like a terribly retrograde step in a town trying to encourage tourism."

Council leader Graham Marsden claimed the plans had nothing to do with saving money.

A council spokesman said: "It was recommended these toilets be reviewed due to their age and condition."

A final decision on the toilets' future is due to be made in 18 months, when the cleaning contract becomes due for renewal.