Residents have expressed shock at new charges set to be introduced at the public toilets on Helensburgh's seafront.

New stations have appeared outside the men's and women's entrances to the toilets at the pier, requiring 50p in cash or electronic payments by card or mobile phone.

Argyll and Bute Council said they needed to make up for the millions of pounds in cuts they continue to face from central government.

Although charges were frozen for toilets in the 2023-24 budget, there has not been a charge for Helensburgh's public toilets up until now.

There was no mention of the plans at the most recent meeting of the authority's environment, development and infrastructure committee, whose remit includes public toilet facilities.

READ MORE: Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre: Charges plan clarified after vote

Resident Graham Walker, who alerted the Advertiser to the new signs and costs, said: "After visiting the public toilet in Helensburgh, I find it hard to believe that Argyll and Bute Council intend to start charging 50p to use them.

"Another stealth charge by the council and not one notice to inform people in Helensburgh.

"it's ridiculous that the council is trying to promote the town and such amenities like the new leisure centre, then slyly introduce this charge without informing anyone."

A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: "We have had to deliver millions of pounds of savings over recent years and, with more cuts expected to come in future years, councillors made the decision to introduce charges at 16 high-footfall public toilets in a previous year’s budget-setting process.

"Councils do not have a duty to provide public toilets; the income generated from these charges will offset some of the costs of providing nearly 60 public toilets across our communities."

Toilets in the foyer of Helensburgh Leisure Centre, a short walk away from the pier facilities, remain free of charge.

Cameron Foy, with Helensburgh Community Council, said: "Argyll and Bute Council has not consulted with HCC on this yet but of course we would be more than happy to engage with them and the community about it.

"We understand these are challenging times for council budgets but we would like to know more details, for example, would universal disabled toilet key holders have free access?

"A more urgent priority would be to reinstate the disabled parking bay markings at the pier toilet block to ensure blue badge holders can actually access the toilets when needed."