I AM writing to support many of Coun Martin Eager's views (Postbag, November 9). I am deeply, deeply worried by the actions of Herefordshire Council over the public toilet situation. How ever is this possible?
Two Herefordshire Council officers (very nice people), take the trouble to meet with Ledbury councillors to explain the pros and cons of various locations for public toilets. They explained in detail about what would be possible at the Bye Street location, what improvements and safety measures could be made there.
Then in a matter of days, we hear that another officer isn't happy with that location and seems in favour of a location that we all preferred in the first place and then at the planning meeting we see a plan that is substantially different from what we had been told might be provided.
We read comments from another Herefordshire Council officer saying the Church Street loos will not be refurbished, simply closed and that Ledbury town only needs one, three cubicle public toilet, in his opinion.
Everything we had discussed at length at the site meeting was a total waste of time. Furthermore the planning department wanted the three cubicle loo built at the Bye Street location - they had made up their mind on this and it seems, their word is law.
There are several Herefordshire Council 'spoons' stirring in this ridiculous affair and not one seems to know how to liaise or speak with the other - and they all work at the same place.
What kind of public service is that. So much wasted time and such a waste of money.
To forewarn everyone, despite the fact that Ledbury Town Council rejected the planning application based on very real and proper concerns over public health and safety, Herefordshire Council planning committee will force this through.
The only hope we have, to get decent facilities in a safe and suitable place, is for all you Ledbury people to stand up to Herefordshire Council. Write and object to its plans for Bye Street and to object to the closure of the Church Street facilities; attend the final planning meeting in Hereford. Call in at the town council offices in Church Lane and ask for the planning information, please.
I ask for the public's help and action, because, despite the well-researched and properly informed genuine and articulate comments the town council makes in response to the planning applications it gets Herefordshire Council fails to take any notice of them. Give Herefordshire Council a reason to hear us. Write. Demonstrate.
COUN L NUSSBAUM, Robinsons Meadow, Ledbury.
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