A PLAN to sell derelict Grade II listed toilets has been met with anger from locals.

The former gentlemen's public toilets block, which is situated on Alexandra Road, Pill, are set to be sold at an auction on February 2.

The toilet block - which is owned by Newport City Council - has a guide price of £4,000.

News of the auction, however, has provoked an angry backlash from many residents in Pill.

Maureen Lewis, 82, who is a former nurse and lives in Pill, said she wanted to see the "toilets demolished".

"The toilet block has not been in use for years, " said Mrs Lewis, "people know this and it's attracting unwelcome people.

"There are lots of bad memories at the block and I think we'd all be happy to see it demolished.

"Selling it will not solve the problem."

Paul Murphy, founder of Pride in Pill, said: "We want the toilets to be knocked down - I've been saying this for over three years.

"There's a lot of problems going on there, like fly-tipping and and anti-social behaviour.

"I've even see drugs being dealt there.

"I think people go there because it's out of the way and you can hide inside."

Lewis Jones, who used to live on Capel Crescent, said he was against the selling of the block.

"I think most people in Pill will agree when I say the soon the block is gone the better," said Mr Jones.

"We need a fresh start with the toilet block being removed."

Kristy Sawmy, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, who is managing the sale, said that the sale would see the new owner buy "the toilet block and very small land".

She said: "We believe the sale will pull in real interest.

"I think it's positive that it's being sold because at the moment it is derelict and an eyesore."

She added: "Although the former gent’s toilet is Grade II listed, which puts limits on its future uses, there are a number of ways the disused property could be re-used perhaps by being converted to a café, or maybe an ice cream kiosk or a flower stall."

A Newport City Council spokeswoman said: "The listed building which is the toilet block on Alexandra Road in Pill is being sold because the building is surplus to council requirements."

The auction will take place at the Park Inn Hotel, Cardiff, which will start at 5pm.