Newsflash… I have prostate cancer.

It’s been caught early (for which I am eternally grateful) and my condition is being closely monitored while we decide what to do next.

I mention this for two reasons. Firstly, to encourage all men - certainly those above 50 - to get themselves checked. It’s a simple, painless process.

Secondly, to make an appeal to those cash-strapped folk at County Hall in Taunton.

Now, cards on the table here, I really have no idea why a unitary council which has only been around for a matter of months can find itself in such a financial crisis.

I know historically government support for local authorities has been woeful, but Somerset’s predicted overspend is eye-watering.

Politicians of varying colours are blaming each other. Nothing new there then. But we the public are of course going to feel the pain – in some cases quite literally.

I am referring to public loos. Financial cuts are inevitable and one option being considered is closing the 25 public toilet blocks funded by Somerset Council. Really?

Chard & Ilminster News: Public toilets on Paul Street in Taunton.Public toilets on Paul Street in Taunton. (Image: Newsquest)

Since developing my prostate issues I have discovered a ‘given.’

Never walk past a toilet without using it. But that’s going to be easier said than done if the council goes through with its spending cuts.

There’s a limit to the number of times you can pretend you’ve had a coffee in a café or a half of beer in a pub, just so you can use their toilets.

At this point can I refer you to a paragraph on a website run by an organisation called Phlush, which campaigns for public toilets.

It says: "Our ability to respond to a universal biological need is a basic human right."

Couldn’t put it better myself - a human right! Not one, I guess, I could challenge in the European Court of Human Rights, so I’m doing it here.

This is the start of my campaign – SAVE OUR LOOS. Or maybe it should be SOS – Save Our Sanitation!

The problem is that here is no statutory responsibility on local councils to provide public toilets. I know – crazy!

So maybe it’s an easy ‘hit’ for Somerset Council, a quick way to save £300,000.

But people with a multitude of health conditions, from bladder disease to colitis, to prostate problems, will argue this is a saving which is both painful and demeaning.

My campaign may require an element of ‘relevant’ public protest. All ideas gratefully received!!!