Bishop's Stortford's LibDems Bring Common Sense to a Common Problem

4.41.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 21st Jul 2010

The toilets at Castle Gardens - common sense kept them open for the summer.

Cllr. Mike Wood, Town and District Councillor and leader of the Bishop's Stortford Liberal Democrats, has achieved a break-through by bringing some common sense to a local problem.

East Herts District Council had closed the toilets on Link Road, by the Castle Gardens, and made alternative arrangements with some local business to allow non-paying customers to use their facilities.

However, the lack of nearby toilets would have been a major inconvenience for those who visit the gardens, the paddling pool and the funfairs. It would have made it very difficult for mothers with young children, the elderly and those with incontinence problems to leave their activities, cross the Causeway and make their way to the nearest available toilet or participating business.

How long the businesses would have tolerated a procession of damp children in their swimming outfits, together with other visitors, plodding through their premises is a mute point

Cllr. Wood voiced the LibDem's concerns at both the Town's and the District's Full Councils with the result that the two councils have agreed to share the cost of keeping the Castle Garden's toilets open during the summer months.

The toilets will close during the winter and the alternative arrangements made with the local businesses will come into force. This agreement will continue for two years, 2010 and 2010.