Is the writing on the wall at the Wee Toon’s toilets?
Campbeltown residents give their thoughts
ARGYLL and Bute council’s proposal to close the public toilets may save a pretty penny but has met strong opposition.
Campbeltown faces losing facilities on Bolgam Street and Hall Street in an attempt to cut costs.
Courier reporter Aimée Atlanta went on the streets to test the water and find out peoples’ reactions: George McMillan,
87, newsagent owner in Campbeltown said: ‘It is sheer vandalism. Everyone needs access to a public toilet- it’s a basic human right.
‘Especially older people like myself. It’s an absolute disgrace even thinking about getting rid of them.’
Mary Motherwell, 71, retired, from Campbeltown, said: ‘When I’m out with my youngest grandson we’ll have to go all the way back home to use the toilet.
‘I use a shopping trolley and I wouldn’t be able to fit that into small cafes and pubs just to use the loo.’
Gabor Pozsgai, 34, a Campbeltown bartender, said: ‘It’s ridiculous. It’s not fair on pubs and restaurants being encouraged to open the doors for everyone.
Also, at licensed premises people under 18 can’t legally come in without an adult so I don’t know how that will work.’ George Harrison,
54, a garage manager in Campbeltown, said: ‘Tourists aren’t going to be able to use a public toilet when they’re here; that’s going to drive them away.
‘I also think it will encourage anti-social behaviour. What’s everyone going to do, pee on the streets?’ Mum, Tricia Woodford, 37 from Campbeltown, said: ‘I think it’s really bad, especially for young children and elderly people.
‘There won’t be anywhere else for them to use the toilet. People are going to end up peeing in closes... more than usual.’ Frances Coats, 56, a bed and breakfast owner in Campbeltown, said: ‘It’s affecting the most vulnerable in society.
‘People with certain disabilities who need access to toilets when they’re out will suffer. They’ll end up too scared to leave the house, in case they have an accident or perhaps issues with a catheter, for example. ‘It’s shocking.’ However, not everyone is sad to see the public toilets lock their doors forever as mum, Morgan MacLean,
32, from Campbeltown said: ‘I couldn’t care really. The toilets are unclean. I would never take my daughter in them anyway.
‘I guess it’s difficult for tourists so if we want tourists here we should keep them clean.’
Councillor Roddy McCuish, policy lead for roads and amenity services, said: ‘We can work with communities to keep these toilets open. If anybody can come up with ideas to save jobs and services, I would be delighted to hear from them.’