Toilet-closure councillor urinates in lane

A LEADING councillor who oversaw the closure of his local public toilets has been caught urinating in the street by police.

Jackie Burns, South Lanarkshire Council’s deputy leader, was spotted relieving himself in Hamilton town centre and issued with a £40 fixed penalty notice by police.

The incident, which happened on Saturday, came just months after the Labour councillor oversaw the closure of toilets in his council area. Cllr Burns has since apologised and said he was “embarrassed” by his actions.

He said: “I was in a taxi rank at the Bottom Cross in Hamilton and needed the toilet. I went down a lane to relieve myself and was approached by police, who gave me a £40 fine which I have duly paid. I am embarrassed by the incident and have apologised.”

In May, Cllr Burns told residents in his Larkhall ward that the Scottish Government’s spending cuts had forced his council to close public toilets.

He previously said: “Unfortunately, as part of the Scottish Government’s financial settlement, South Lanarkshire Council has had to cut £22 million from its budget, which has resulted in all public conveniences in the council closing.”

Mr Burns represents Larkhall and sits on a range of committees including social work, planning and education resources.

Christina McKelvie, SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, said Cllr Burns’ behaviour was “insulting and disgraceful” to the community he serves.

John Wilson, a Green Party MSP for Central Scotland, said: “He should consider his position as deputy leader.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “A 51-year-old man was issued with a fixed penalty ticket in relation to a minor act of anti-social behaviour within Hamilton town centre on Saturday, November 7.”