Libraries could be used to help plug public toilet gap

Toilets in shops and other buildings across Dudley could be opened up for use by the public under plans being considered by council chiefs.

The authority aims to save £150,000 by closing public toilets in some of the borough's smaller shopping centres but today revealed that "alternative toilet provision" was being investigated.

That could include securing permission for shoppers to be allowed to nip in to use the conveniences in supermarkets or council buildings such as libraries.

Councillor Angus Adams, cabinet member for transportation, said: "As part of the budget proposals we are currently reviewing public toilets in a number of our town centres.

"As part of the review we will be looking at alternative toilet provision for members of the public."

He added: "We are looking at supermarkets and also council buildings such as libraries.

"We will talk to supermarkets to see if they are amenable. I think it is the way forward."

Talks are still ongoing about which public toilets could shut under the plans.

Figures released last month show more than a third of public toilets have been closed in Dudley borough over the last decade.

Eight out of the 23 public conveniences provided 10 years ago have now been shut.

Facilities in Stafford Street, Dudley, Halesowen Bus Station, Quarry Bank High Street, Abbey Road in Lower Gornal, Jews Lane in Upper Gornal, Gospel End Street in Sedgley, Bank Street in Brierley Hill and Chapel Street, Lye have all closed.

Vandalism at some of the sites was blamed for the closures.

The review is also considering getting rid of hanging baskets from civic buildings in the borough in a move which will save around £30,000.

Councillor Adams added: "The ones which are most effective will stay while those with less of an impact will not be renewed."

Twenty four toilets in the West Midlands have been closed over the past decade and more are expected to shut across the region as council funding cuts kick in.

The British Toilet Association predicts that up to 1,000 are likely to close in the UK this year.