So, the week after we learn that the local Liberal Democrats have reneged on their promise to keep vital public toilets open until the next spending review at a saving of approximately £55,000 per annum, we discover that an additional 30 solar powered bins are being leased for the city, making 55 in total . . . at a cost of £55,000 per annum.
Is it just me…?
Councillor David Dixon says that this is a question of spending priorities and that these are necessary because local residents want cleaner streets and fewer gulls. No argument with the objective, but I think it is you who is out of step with spending priorities Councillor Dixon.
I'll bet I'm far from the only one who can't quite fathom how the objective necessitates such a significant spend on techno-bins at a time when we apparently can't afford to maintain public conveniences. Particularly when some rudimentary digging reveals that 71 bins have been removed before the 55 new bins have been installed.
Bins only work if people use them, regardless of whether they are solar powered or not, and if they are emptied regularly. What we need is more traditional bins, action taken to fine people who drop litter, especially food waste, in the streets, and to keep our public toilets open for those who need them.
Malcolm Cupis Haweswater Close Bridgeyate
The cost of maintaining Bath's public conveniences must be a fraction of that of the two 20mph speed zones being considered at £200,000 each.
Bath owes much to its "visitor spend" and in return should provide facilities to ensure the needs of tourists and residents are met – in this case public conveniences. It is a problem finding them in Bath and now a further reduction in numbers is proposed.
The need for visitors and residents to apply self-dehydration before venturing forth is not a situation Bath can be proud of.
For those opposed to a further cut in PCs, please contact your councillors. Ring 01225 544435 for help with telephone numbers.
Fred Blampied Chestnut Walk Saltford Bristol
