The web Upton website
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The web Upton website |
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The Malvern Gazette, 10 March 2006
Closure of loos sparks angry street protest Around 25 people turned out on Saturday to express their anger at Malvern Hills District Council's controversial decision to close the Lower High Street loos. The toilets were closed as a cost-cutting measure, along with others designated "surplus to requirements" in Malvern and Tenbury Wells. Upton Tourism and Trade Association challenged district councillors to try to get across town on crutches, in a wheelchair or with a small child from the closed toilets to the recently revamped ones on Hanley Road. However, the only district councillor to turn up was Mary Wilkinson, who had voted against the closure. Peter Webb, the association's vice-chairman, said: "Everybody in the town, almost without exception, is infuriated about this." On Saturday, Mr Webb tried to get to the Hanley Road toilets while being pushed in a wheelchair, but aborted the attempt because it involved negotiating four kerbs. Jenny Robinson, on crutches due to a broken leg, also gave up after a struggle. Mr Webb admitted five-year-old Oliver Robinson would have been able to make it to the toilets, but the route involved him crossing a busy road. `Wanted' posters naming Coun Val Myatt have mysteriously appeared on the door of the High Street toilets and at several other locations in the town. The district council chairman used her casting vote in favour of closure after members were tied 17-17 at last week's crunch meeting. Mr Webb said the posters were similar to those put up criticising council leader Di Rayner before the vote was taken, but he did not know who was responsible. Meanwhile, Coun Mary Wilkinson is considering using a procedural rule she hopes will lead to the closure decision being reversed. Usually, the district council is not allowed to discuss a decision within six months of making it. However, it can be debated again if at least a third of members agree. |