Wells residents could see a significant shift in the management of local amenities as the Wells City Council deliberates taking control of the Union Street public toilets.

All 25 public toilets run by Somerset Council could shut as the local authority deals with a £100m projected overspend.

Somerset Council say that closing them could help the unitary council save more than £300,000.

The potential closure of this vital public facility has propelled the city council into exploring the feasibility and implications of the logistics and financial aspects of keeping the block open.

Upcoming meetings with local clerks and Somerset officers aim to outline a roadmap for the future management of markets and other services, indicating a strategic move towards greater local autonomy in service provision.

As well as the block in Wells, toilet blocks at Yeovil bus station and Yeovil Rec, Wincanton Memorial Hall car park, Wellington Park and North Street, Wellington and Frome Market car park are all earmarked for closure.

A final decision will be taken by Somerset Council when it sets its budget on 20 February.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: "In order to protect statutory services, such as social care, we are having to look at finding alternative ways to provide many discretionary services, including public toilets.

"In Somerset the majority of public toilets are already run by local communities, including town and parish councils.

"If this proposal is taken forward, then we would explore all alternative options to work with communities to protect facilities wherever possible."