CONTROVERSIAL plans to sell off public toilets in Malvern, Upton and Tenbury Wells have been put on hold until after the district council elections in May.

On Tuesday night, Malvern Hills District Council voted overwhelmingly in support of the postponement, proposed by 13 members of the Conservative group.

The closure of the toilets has proved to be one of the most controversial decision by this council, and has attracted heavy criticism from many quarters.

Moving the resolution, Upton's Mary Wilkinson pleaded with members of the council to take heed, saying that for the last 12 months the council had not listened to the mayors, the town councils, the people or the businesses of the three towns.

The motion was immediately seconded by Coun Clive Smith, a senior member of the council's ruling LibDem/ Green group, which made the original closure decision this time last year.

Coun Smith said his seconding the motion may cause "shock and amazement in certain circles", but said it was best to reconsider the decision after the election, rather than in the "frantic and frenetic atmosphere" leading up to the election.

After the meeting, Coun Wilkinson said: "This is good news. We're not there yet, but this is a step in the right direction.

"Providing toilets really is a district council job. It's a basic function that people pay their tax for."

Coun Phil Grove, of the Conservative group, said: "This was a very good night for the Conservatives, who have continually fought against the toilet closures across the district. Democracy will now have its chance at the ballet box."