Residents worry launderette may ‘attract vandals’
AN OUTDOOR launderette is to be set up outside shops on a busy road in Leek.
Social landlord Your Housing Group (YHG) hopes the 24-hour launderette in Mill Street, Leek, will be used by residents and customers and encourage more people to shop in the area.
It will feature 8kg and 18kg washing machines as well as a built-in washing liquid pump and a vented dryer.
A YHG report states: “Revolution is a 24/7 outdoor self-service launderette. Not only is this machine outdoor and available 24/7 but it is also very economic. £4 for an 8kg wash, £8 for an 18kg wash and only £1 for a dry.
“Our latest survey reveals 86 per cent of ‘Revolution’ users are more likely to go shopping while their laundry is being done. This is an ideal opportunity for retailers to generate extra revenue.”
But residents fear the outdoor launderette will get vandalised.
David Kilbane, aged 43, of Mill Street, said: “Launderettes were popular in the 1960s and 1970s when people could not afford a machine. People around here have not got much money. For Your Housing Group to think the idea would work here is beyond a joke. It could attract vandals and thieves. It is ridiculous. Addiction around here is rife.
“The thought of an outside launderette is going to be appealing for vandals. It will be right under my door. It will attract people hanging around at night.”
Neighbour Linda Birley, aged 63, added: “They are putting the interests of the shops over the interests of the residents. The people in the shops are my friends but they go home to their own homes while we are here all the time.”
But Linda Dean, who also lives near the Mill Street shops, said: “If I didn’t have a washing machine then the outdoor launderette would be handy.”
Callum Jackson, aged 24, from Jacksons Barbers, in Mill Street, added: “This is a good idea and we welcome it. It could attract some business for us. And if we run behind with the washing it will be handy to stick it in while we are at work.”