Petition to save Wollaston public toilets handed in
A petition, signed by 147 local residents, calling for the public toilets in Wollaston to remain open has been handed in today at Dudley Council, ahead of a crunch budget vote.
Over the last few weeks posters have been appearing in pubs, shops and private residents across the village calling for the loos located on Meriden Avenue to stay open.
David Sheppard, Liberal Democrat campaigner for Wollaston and Stourbridge Town said: “I have spoken to many Wollaston locals, and they really appreciate the village facilities and are amazed that Dudley Council are considering closure.
“The street scene worker who maintains the loos on Meriden Avenue, who has won awards for their work keeping the village clean, is a much-loved local figure. Folks are desperate to keep this council worker in their current post.”
“Access to public loos is a basic human right.”
Councillor Andrew Tromans, who represents Wollaston and Stourbridge Town has submitted a budget amendment, ahead of a Full Council meeting today (February 24) which seeks to reverse a cut which would see both the public loos in Wollaston and Netherton kept open.
This amendment is partially financed by scrapping a private vehicle used by the Mayor of Dudley to attend civic and community functions.
Councillor Tromans said “I hope the proposal to close public toilets can be flushed away at the budget meeting.
“The budget contains many measures which are unpleasant but necessary to put the council on an even keel financially. While we are asking Dudley residents to tighten their belts and pay more it is important that we, as councillors, do our bit.
“This is why I will be voting to freeze councillors’ allowances and get rid of the Mayor’s jaguar. I hope that others join me.”
