TRADERS who hit out at the state of toilets at the Rowland Hill Centre in Kidderminster have welcomed moves to spend £40,000 on improvements.

They said the toilets at the Vicar Street entrance to the shopping centre desperately needed the cash - they were often prepared to wait all day rather than face the smelly WCs.

A total of £20,000 for improving the facilities has been included in the Conservatives' provisional budget at Wyre Forest District Council.

The owners of Rowland Hill have pledged to put in another £20,000 if the budget is approved by the whole council next month.

Wyn Collier, who runs a gift stall in the centre and criticised the state of the toilets in the Shuttle/Times & News this month, said: "It is absolutely brilliant news. We are sat here all day and we have to cross our legs till we get home."

She explained the toilets, beside the escalators, had been cleaned more during recent weeks but "could be cleaned more often during the day", adding: "It would be great for everyone, especially mums with kids," she said.

Jason Scott, who works on the shoe repair stall, said: "I would welcome it. It is about time. I think they are a disgrace. I would rather wait to go home and that is a bloke saying that - imagine what a woman's like."

Puddles of urine and sanitary towels thrown on the floor were some of the complaints levelled at the conveniences in the Shuttle/Times & News's previous story.

Another stall-holder, who did not want to be named, said: "I do think it needs it, not only for the people of Kidderminster but for the visitors that come into the town."

Marcus Hart, cabinet member for commercial services at the district council, said the toilets would get a full refurbishment. It is important we have up-to-date facilities for not only the residents of Wyre Forest but also the visitors," he said.

The council is only responsible for maintaining the toilets.

The council budget has also earmarked £2,500 from 2005 to 2008 for the upkeep of the facilities.