Locals are up in arms over the seasonal closing of the Dumpton Gap public toilets, calling it 'preposterous'.

Although it is one of many public loos which only open for a seasonal period, residents say that this beach is particularly popular as it is a dog friendly area for dog walkers.

One angered resident said: "It is preposterous. It is a very popular place - there is a cafe and it is dog friendly, many people walk their dogs there.

"We might as well put up a barrier around Thanet saying we are shut for winter.

"It is going to reduce people to urinating on the beach, but I won't hold them responsible, I will hold those who took the decision to shut the toilets so early responsible."

But Thanet District Council say they don't have the resources to keep seasonal toilets open.

A spokesman for the council said: "There are various public toilets throughout Thanet.

"Those designated as 'seasonal'' are open during the summer season, between April and September.

"These close after the end of the schools' summer holiday and this year they have closed on September 10 as stated on the TDC website.

"The council simply does not have the resources to keep seasonal toilets open outside of the summer months."

On public Facebook group All About Broadstairs, one local commented on the different season dates saying: "Season for toilets end 10 Sep but end of season car parks end 31 October.

"How amazing that end of season charges when money to be made."

Another commented: "The dog ban on the beach is until the end of September so they assume it's busy enough to keep dogs off but not busy enough to have enough people using the loos?"