City centre to loos out on four public toilets? (From Hereford Times)

RogerLFC says...
1:18pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Where are these 'alternatives' nearby? Are the Council suggesting that tourists' use toilets in places like The Grapes Tavern or Marks & Spencer? I'm pretty sure those facilities are provided for patrons? I'm sure you'd get away with using them and not buying in the establishments but hardly the point. The toilets in East Street are state of the art steel easy clean ones which are very conveniently placed for visitors. Probably why the drunks hang around in them. You could easily have an afternoon party and a lock-in at the disabled one as it's so spacious! Hence the anti-social argument but the exterior is under a Council camera and easy to monitor. Any anti social behaviour could be passed on to a CSO to sort out which is exactly why they are employed. The 'bottom' line however is that the Council want to slash expenditure at any cost. Seems a waste to me though to flush £120,000 of investment down the pan.

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Lukio says...
2:16pm Thu 27 Sep 12

We have to remember that £120,000 is a drop in the ocean compared to the renumeration package some of the council's top leaders get.

It's just one outrageous and ill-thought out idea after another lately. They really seem to be losing their grip on things. And that quote about 'aspirations'...Jeez
, you just couldn't make it up! What a load of BS!

So it seems it won't be long before there are hardly any shops left in Hereford or places to go and relieve yourself.

Again I ask the question; are this council really acting in OUR interests?

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andy1981 says...
3:09pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Typical hereford council. Wait for the jokes about them taking the p*ss out of herefordians or not giving a c*ap. Seriously though as said in past comments where do u go to go now?

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megilleland says...
3:46pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Looks like the alleyways and back streets of Hereford will have an authentic medieval wiff. Let's bring the Black Death back.

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nickt2635 says...
4:58pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Hereford council aren't stupid......close all the loo's, make people pee in alley ways and behind bushes, catch them, fine them and "hey presto" extra revenue to pay for dodgy road signs and flood defences that don't work!!!

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billyb83 says...
5:13pm Thu 27 Sep 12

well only good thing about this is that i wont go into a toilet again and find a used needle on the floor, What if a child went in before me and picked it up??? Get rid of them all i say or spend taxpayers money and build some state of the art ones!!!!

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megilleland says...
6:08pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Is this the bottom of the cuts?

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Gillian1961 says...
6:37pm Thu 27 Sep 12

If they close the merton meadow toilets where most of the work force and visitors park if you are desperate the next nearest will be out side the maylord orchards which is another on the list to be shut you can go up stairs in the maylords when they are not closed for repairs which is often, so the next nearest is union street or west st by barclays but there the other two on the list by this time its to late you need to buy some dry cloth's or you could wait until the Grid is built.

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bobby47 says...
6:58pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Unusually, for me, I have a little sympathy for our Council leaders. Yes, I know some of you are still reading our Postings and I'm sure our views bruise and hurt your huge ego's.
For many years you have been spending our money on gimmicks, badly thought out schemes and a great deal of mineral water. Now, all of a sudden you cannot spend and are being directed to save money. This is where I have sympathy for you. None of you are used to this new reality and so this is what I want you all to do.....
I want you to do nothing. Dont even think about making a decision. Dont do anything at all for a couple of months and lets see how we all get on.
Dont sign us up for anything, dont twin us with some other European hamlet, dont think of another gimmick and refuse to allow anymore of your 'blue sky thinking'.
Please I'm begging you. Whatever you've been doing and whichever way you've been approaching an issue, just simply stop doing it.
Please, for the love of God. Stop doing anything.
PS If you can get us out of the HERE YOU CAN sign thing that would be a real boost to my fragile mental health.
My very warmest regards.

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RogerLFC says...
7:41pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Why are the Union Walk car park toilets escaping the axe? Fairly modern but well off the trail where a tourist would use them ... Used by the local druggies tho I can assure you ... ;-)

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fmrbill says...
9:43pm Thu 27 Sep 12

excuse me for showing my ignorance,but have we any persons on here, who know any lawful way, that members of the public, can cause a VOTE of NO CONFIDENCE in this present council, at this moment in time, or have we got to wait till next elections to make sure we dont vote the same personal in by voting differently, and then cause a coalition or get a one policy party in, which stands for common sense !!!!. just by reading these posts we cant go on like this we really cant we are slowly been fleeced all ways rounds by secret meeting money being wasted and none of the councillors say anything until next election when they will be on our doorsteps saying HAVENT we done a good job vote us back in. I say lets vote them to the JOB centre asap to join the rest of our citizens of this once proud county

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silentbull says...
11:09pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Cheer up, at least we've got new council offices,new signs to welcome everyone in this beau mmmmm city.
Im sure it won't be long till we have someone at the top at tthe council to guide us to prosperity!!!!!

In other words....

...GOD HELP US!!!!!!!!!!!

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megilleland says...
1:07am Fri 28 Sep 12

taken from: http://www2.prestel.
co.uk/rodmell/local.
htm

Holding a Local Referendum.....

How you can do so in the UK using Existing Legislation

It is not generally known, but legislation under the 1972 Local Government Act already makes allowances for the holding of local referendums in the United Kingdom. Until relatively recently, this measure has been little used, but now an increasing number of local communities are starting to make use of it. What's more it is relatively easy for ordinary voters to set up a local referendum and although at present the result is only be advisory, it does nonetheless serve to let the authorities know just what local people feel on an issue. Below is an outline of the steps involved.

Choose an Issue over which people in your area feel strongly. The boundaries of "your area" are those governed by your local Parish Council (England), or Community Council (Wales). Unfortunately provisions do not exist for similar procedures in Scotland or Ulster.

Six voters on the Electoral Register for that Parish (available for viewing at local Post Office) now need to sign a piece of paper calling for a Public Parish meeting on a specified date more than seven clear working days hence. This 'notice of meeting' should specify date, time (after 6.00pm), venue, the names of the six, and the business to be transacted at the meeting (ie to call for a referendum on your chosen question). As a minimum the notice should be pinned up at one prominent site in the area.

Notify the Parish Council and the Chairman of the District Council of what you are doing. Tell them that you are acting under Part 3, schedule 12, paragraph 18, subparagraphs 4 and 5 of the Local Government Act 1972. You may well find that if your chosen issue arouses strong feelings locally, the Parish Council will come on board to help with the organisation of the meeting.

For the meeting to be valid, you will need at least ten local voters present. The meeting may be chaired by the Chairman of the Parish council if willing, but this is not essential, as anyone chosen by the meeting can chair it. Whatever else happens at the meeting, you will need to propose a motion calling for a referendum (Parish Poll) on your chosen question or questions. If one third of those voters present, or ten of those present, whichever figure is smaller, call for a referendum, then your District Council is obliged by law to hold one. Note this means that it is actually possible to loose a vote at the meeting, but still satisfy the requirements for calling a referendum.

Go to your District Council and tell them the outcome of the vote at the meeting. Quote the relevant legislation again. They now have between 14 and 25 days to hold the referendum.
You will be notified of the date of the referendum (Parish Poll). Voters will not receive Poll cards, nor will postal or proxy voting be allowed, but in other respects the poll will be carried out by the council's returning officer just as in an election. Liase with the returning officer in advance if you wish to attend the count.

It is now up to you to publicise the referendum, as the District Council is only obliged to display the minimum notices required in law. Are you going to put up posters, or to leaflet the area? One thing you should certainly do, and that is to talk to the local press, as this will make a good story for them.

After the result is announced, you can again use the media to obtain maximum publicity for the outcome, should it have been the one you desired! Local referendums as mentioned earlier are only advisory in the UK at present, but even so it would be a very bold council which decided to go against the strongly held wishes of its local electorate.

Further information on holding local referendums can be obtained from publications produced by The National Association of local Councils, 108 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LD. Tel: 0207 637 1865

'Let the people decide..............
'

taken from: http://www2.prestel. co.uk/rodmell/local. htm Holding a Local Referendum..... How you can do so in the UK using Existing Legislation It is not generally known, but legislation under the 1972 Local Government Act already makes allowances for the holding of local referendums in the United Kingdom. Until relatively recently, this measure has been little used, but now an increasing number of local communities are starting to make use of it. What's more it is relatively easy for ordinary voters to set up a local referendum and although at present the result is only be advisory, it does nonetheless serve to let the authorities know just what local people feel on an issue. Below is an outline of the steps involved. Choose an Issue over which people in your area feel strongly. The boundaries of "your area" are those governed by your local Parish Council (England), or Community Council (Wales). Unfortunately provisions do not exist for similar procedures in Scotland or Ulster. Six voters on the Electoral Register for that Parish (available for viewing at local Post Office) now need to sign a piece of paper calling for a Public Parish meeting on a specified date more than seven clear working days hence. This 'notice of meeting' should specify date, time (after 6.00pm), venue, the names of the six, and the business to be transacted at the meeting (ie to call for a referendum on your chosen question). As a minimum the notice should be pinned up at one prominent site in the area. Notify the Parish Council and the Chairman of the District Council of what you are doing. Tell them that you are acting under Part 3, schedule 12, paragraph 18, subparagraphs 4 and 5 of the Local Government Act 1972. You may well find that if your chosen issue arouses strong feelings locally, the Parish Council will come on board to help with the organisation of the meeting. For the meeting to be valid, you will need at least ten local voters present. The meeting may be chaired by the Chairman of the Parish council if willing, but this is not essential, as anyone chosen by the meeting can chair it. Whatever else happens at the meeting, you will need to propose a motion calling for a referendum (Parish Poll) on your chosen question or questions. If one third of those voters present, or ten of those present, whichever figure is smaller, call for a referendum, then your District Council is obliged by law to hold one. Note this means that it is actually possible to loose a vote at the meeting, but still satisfy the requirements for calling a referendum. Go to your District Council and tell them the outcome of the vote at the meeting. Quote the relevant legislation again. They now have between 14 and 25 days to hold the referendum. You will be notified of the date of the referendum (Parish Poll). Voters will not receive Poll cards, nor will postal or proxy voting be allowed, but in other respects the poll will be carried out by the council's returning officer just as in an election. Liase with the returning officer in advance if you wish to attend the count. It is now up to you to publicise the referendum, as the District Council is only obliged to display the minimum notices required in law. Are you going to put up posters, or to leaflet the area? One thing you should certainly do, and that is to talk to the local press, as this will make a good story for them. After the result is announced, you can again use the media to obtain maximum publicity for the outcome, should it have been the one you desired! Local referendums as mentioned earlier are only advisory in the UK at present, but even so it would be a very bold council which decided to go against the strongly held wishes of its local electorate. Further information on holding local referendums can be obtained from publications produced by The National Association of local Councils, 108 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LD. Tel: 0207 637 1865 'Let the people decide.............. ' megilleland

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fmrbill says...
9:37am Fri 28 Sep 12

WOW megilleland that is postive news and we should all thanks you for that. Now let us see if anybody will take up the gauntlet and try to set the wheels in motion even if just to upset the council and show them we do still have some powers )). It would also help if the HT would print that info on next weeks front page as headline news out of the public Interest role. We will watch with interest, but there could be some movement in this big time. ARE WE ALL IN or just going to moan as we are BRITISH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!! answers on postcode to Brockington House

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littlewhitebull says...
10:33am Fri 28 Sep 12

The flooding in Merton Meadow car park was apparently caused by 'weed'. So, did the council close the loos in Merton Meadow just prior to this event? If true, flood alleviation could take on a completely different meaning!
The mind boggles about what might happen with the new 'Relief Road'.

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VWVWVW says...
1:57pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Did you know................
......the Council has implemented a Petitions Scheme which sets out the procedures for submitting written and electronic petitions to the Council.
An ePetition is a petition which collects signatures online. This allows petitions and supporting information to be made available to a potentially much wider audience than a traditional paper based petition.
Anyone who lives, works or studies in Herefordshire can submit or sign an ePetition. Go to the Council website to find it and - let's do it!

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bobby47 says...
2:13pm Fri 28 Sep 12

VW, Yeah. Ok. I'm in, but we've gotta get the other Posters interested and somehow sing from the same hymn sheet.
Views everyone?

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fmrbill says...
3:41pm Fri 28 Sep 12

HEY we got some movement on this it seems.Count me in, if some tells me where to find it, and lets get the HT on board, front page next week, to tell people this method exists, and how to do it and posters on this site are going to for it. Lets get this fruit cart bobby 47 goes on about rolling or as the song says "4 wheels on my wagon lets start rolling along "

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bobby47 says...
3:54pm Fri 28 Sep 12

fmrbill, Lets slow down a bit. Yes me and you are in but we need the sane and the rational thinkers involved as well. Lets face it old friend, you are a farmer who thinks it totally pointless to harvest the crop and I'm the author of a great deal of tripe and drivel. We need some credibility...
Come on you fellow authors, read the Posting from VW & Megilleland and lets get ourselves organised.

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silentbull says...
5:51pm Fri 28 Sep 12

After attending several meetings drinking coffee and eating too many hop nobs,
the boss(my wife) and my advisers(my children) have very kindly given me the go ahead to join this merry little band to 'try' and make this council see what everybody else sees and that's.....common sense!!!!!
But before i join could somebody please guarantee that i will be having the chair at the end of the table next to the custard creams THANK YOU

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bobby47 says...
6:09pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Well done Silentbull. We were hoping for someone sane to step forward but you'll do lad. Well done.

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mandybull says...
6:35pm Fri 28 Sep 12

I find this situation quite unbelievable. If East Street toilets cost £120,000 and have been open such a short time, this is a dreadful waste of money.
I park in Merton Meadow cos it's the cheapest for a workday and the loos there are very handy, especially after being stuck in traffic. I can't think of any that are near to this location.

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VWVWVW says...
6:47pm Fri 28 Sep 12

On the Herefordshire Council website on the left side of the page you can go to 'Decision Making'. Below that (in the grey menu) the last option is 'Petitions' New petitions can be started there.

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bobby47 says...
7:20pm Fri 28 Sep 12

VW, Great. Well done. So all we collectively have to do is decide on what we are complaining about and then we all get on line and get the Petition logged. Is that right VW?

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bobby47 says...
7:41pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Lukio, Roger, Ubique, Probono, William Rudd, Andy81, TwoWheels, Littlewhitebull, Gillian, Colin J Marschall,Megillelan
d, Clarkester, NickT, Mandybull and all the other Posters who's names escape me.
Where are you? We are going to war with the incompetent bungling idiots.
Read the postings from VWVWVW and Megilleland.

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Themightyboosh says...
7:48pm Fri 28 Sep 12

im in

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bobby47 says...
8:43pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Themightyboosh, Well done mate. Again, I was hoping for someone sane but you'll do kiddo.
In the meantime, what are we going to complain about. Shall we stick to one single issue like this toilet business, do we go for the Roadsign (Here we can) or do we just go for their throats regarding their whole approach to spending our money.
Just give it some thought. I'm hoping Lukio, VWVW or some other rational Poster comes back and provides some view and opinion on what we hope to achieve.

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Lukio says...
8:54pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Sorry Bobby, I've been out and about braving the totally mental Hereford traffic this afternoon. Apparently there's some small roadworks on Whitecross Rd. which bought the city to a standstill. I got caught up in this even though I was coming home from work on the Abergavenny road. Go figure. Then I had to go shopping as we'd run out of biscuits. My advice, avoid Aldi on a Friday night. Anyway, enough of my boring life.

If we are going to make a stand, count me in. If we are really serious, we need to get away from this board...we could set up a private online forum? Any ideas people?

Oh and I'll bring £12k worth of bottled water :)

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fmrbill says...
9:06pm Fri 28 Sep 12

well bobby47 i know i plant the fields and scatter but dont harvest, but might I refer you to me post on 27.9.12 @ 9.43pm, i know im a poor and down out but I do take credit for this barrow of rotten veg as you would put it )))), but I do agree the likes of you and me would appear to be out the league for running this up and coming force to be reckoned with,espically me,as to busy ploughing the fields and scattering,but not harvesting as you pointed out on another site, talking to the local vicar about all matters far and wide, and all the regulars in THE BULL ( as per The Archers on Radio 4) for all those educated on here

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VWVWVW says...
9:16pm Fri 28 Sep 12

An ePetition to keep the public toilets open has been submitted to the HC. Awaiting decision whether accepted.

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bobby47 says...
9:20pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Lukio, Great. Good lad. Give some thought to what or which issue we are going to Petition and the 'online forum? That would be great. We'll sleep on it.

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RogerLFC says...
12:08am Sat 29 Sep 12

VWVWVW wrote:
An ePetition to keep the public toilets open has been submitted to the HC. Awaiting decision whether accepted.

When available post the link please ... I'll cut and paste as links wont click on here as you know ....

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bobby47 says...
9:31am Sat 29 Sep 12

VW, Thats great kiddo, unless anyone objects lets complain about that issue.
Anyone disagree?

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megilleland says...
9:49am Sat 29 Sep 12

Current ePetitions: Only one listed so obviously not well known or used. Maybe we change that.
http://councillors.h
erefordshire.gov.uk/
mgePetitionListDispl
ay.aspx?bcr=1

EPetitions Guidance (to be read in conjunction with the petitions scheme)
See how it works here:
http://councillors.h
erefordshire.gov.uk/
mgConvert2PDF.aspx?I
D=29585

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megilleland says...
10:04am Sat 29 Sep 12

The full works here. Very informative document to while away the time spent in the loo.

House of Commons Communities and Local Government

The Provision of Public Toilets
Twelfth Report of Session 2007–08
Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence

http://www.publicati
ons.parliament.uk/pa
/cm200708/cmselect/c
mcomloc/636/636.pdf

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RogerLFC says...
12:45pm Sat 29 Sep 12

megilleland wrote:
Current ePetitions: Only one listed so obviously not well known or used. Maybe we change that.
http://councillors.h

erefordshire.gov.uk/

mgePetitionListDispl

ay.aspx?bcr=1

EPetitions Guidance (to be read in conjunction with the petitions scheme)
See how it works here:
http://councillors.h

erefordshire.gov.uk/

mgConvert2PDF.aspx?I

D=29585

Has anyone submitted a petition about the loos? I don't want to submit one if one is already pending ...

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mandybull says...
12:51pm Sat 29 Sep 12

bobby47 wrote:
Lukio, Roger, Ubique, Probono, William Rudd, Andy81, TwoWheels, Littlewhitebull, Gillian, Colin J Marschall,Megillelan

d, Clarkester, NickT, Mandybull and all the other Posters who's names escape me.
Where are you? We are going to war with the incompetent bungling idiots.
Read the postings from VWVWVW and Megilleland.

I will certainly join the petition.
I noticed that HCC made great reference to the value of tourism to the city and county. Perhaps they should note the comments made by senior people in UK tourism:
'Tourists and visitors also rank the availability of toilets high in their lists of reasons why a location is worth visiting, a point made by Peter Hampson, Director of the British Resorts and Destinations Association (BRADA): “If you are a visitor and there on a temporary basis, provision of toilets becomes absolutely fundamental…most journeys start and finish
with people going to the loo.”

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Ubique5740 says...
1:24pm Sat 29 Sep 12

Apologies Bobby47 for the delay, I have been away spending my sons inheritance .
I will sign this petition when it's posted. I am just amazed that it appears that HC have not thought of alternatives,or are hoping to relying on local shop and pubs to supply the service that they should supply.
I notice that HC have been "awarded" a large sum of money for cleaner air, if the closures go ahead it will be needed to cover the urine smells coming from doorways etc.
We are going back to the old days when citizens carried a small tin which contained a pleasant smelling substance to cover the smell of sewers

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bobby47 says...
7:37pm Sat 29 Sep 12

Roger, Do it. Register it.Im sure our band of brothers in chaos will go with it.
My warmest regards.

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bobby47 says...
8:43pm Sat 29 Sep 12

I'm going off at a tangent here...lets test our new found power that we now have...Go to Ledbury Reporter. Find the story about the Mayor wanting more of their publics money. Sign in and Post a comment.
Do it! Do it! and Do it! now comrades. Let the County see that we are a force to be reckoned with.

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Janiejane says...
8:57pm Sat 29 Sep 12

This is an outrage, its hard enough to find a toilet as it is. Do they suggest that we now have a swift half or a coffee just so we may go to the loo. Its bad enough that they shut early, leaving you lost for a toilet if you are in town in the evening. Are they aware that a man can get prostrate problems from holding on too long!! I'm in just tell me where to sign.

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bobby47 says...
9:19pm Sat 29 Sep 12

Firstly, well done Ubique. Well done kiddo. I saw your Ledbury Posting.
Janie, Good girl. Glad you are in. Just follow the Postings on this site and you'll get an update and a feel of how disgruntled we all are with the leadership of our Council.
Some in our group are sane and rational. Others are not but....we all have one thing in common. We want our home to succeed rather than slide into the abyss.
My warmest regards.

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Lukio says...
9:26pm Sat 29 Sep 12

If there is antisocial behaviour in these public loos, then HC should be addressing this. Not closing them down. It's just lazy. If I were a local business I'd inform HC that the toilets I provide are for use of paying patrons - not to be used by the general populous because the council has taken that service away.

A clear message needs to be sent that we're not the easy walkovers then think we are. It may be seen as a petty issue by some but we can't continue letting this council make stupid decision after stupid decision.

I'll get this forum going soon fellow renegades so we can start building our opposition army ;)

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silentbull says...
9:30pm Sat 29 Sep 12

Hahem!!!! Mmmmm i know somebody that's not up with knowing about this computer stuff and mmmmm I (lets say she to hide his 'HER' identity) wants to know how to sign and how do i 'SHE' get to where your all on about?
yours 'hoping for help'

K 'Jane'

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bobby47 says...
9:39pm Sat 29 Sep 12

HEREFORD TIMES, CAN YOU PLEASE LEAVE THIS STORY ON DISPLAY FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER. WE ARE TRYING TO ORGANISE OURSELVES.

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Lukio says...
10:07pm Sat 29 Sep 12

I'm trying to get a forum on the go now folks. Bear with me and I'll post a link as soon as I get it going...

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megilleland says...
8:56am Sun 30 Sep 12

Why not contact Belmont Voice which covers South Wye area. It would be useful to cover the city with a North Wye version as well to complement it. This would ensure the discussions would not be dropped and forgotten.

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megilleland says...
9:22am Sun 30 Sep 12

Coming up this Wednesday 3rd October 1.30pm at
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
The Council Chamber, Brockington, 35 Hafod Road, Hereford
Item 7 on the agenda

Tucked away under additional documents is the part concerning public toilets:

28 Public Convenience Review

29 The Council maintains 25 public conveniences around the County which results in annual
revenue costs of c£230k. As a non-statutory element of the Streetscene services, a detailed
review of this area has been conducted to consider alternative models of service delivery
including withdrawal. Over recent months, the review has looked at the current quality of
provision and talked to stakeholders including City, Town and Parish Councils.

30 During this review, it has become clear that the current standard of provision does not meet
our aspirations for high quality, sustainable, accessible toilet provision to meet the needs of
local people and visitors to Herefordshire. The review has looked at how service delivery
could be changed to better meet local needs across the County and learn from good practice
elsewhere improve the quality and availability of public toilets.

31 In recent years the number of toilets available for use by the public has increased, for
example within supermarkets, cafes and public houses. There are also a number of public
buildings across the County where toilets exist and could be made more available to the
public. The review is therefore recommending that Herefordshire takes advantage of these
opportunities by establishing a “Community Toilet Scheme” to work with local businesses
to support and signpost visitors to such locations. This concept is already in place and
successful in places across the Country including Powys and Gloucestershire and can bring
real benefits in terms of customers for retailers whilst improving access to toilets.

32 All sites currently maintained by the Council have also been looked at to assess whether they
should be retained taking into account the need to avoid duplication, reflect local changes in
demand and reduce levels of anti-social behaviour reported to the Police. This has resulted
in four sites Countywide being identified for closure subject to final agreement. All these sites
are in Hereford and have been selected to address site specific issues. They are

• Union Street where there is currently a single unit with significant history of anti-social
behaviour and alternative better quality facilities exist close by in Gaol Street Car Park

• East Street where there is also a significant history of anti-social behaviour with alternative
provisional also readily accessible

• Merton Meadow which is no longer required due to development proposals; and,

• Maylords Orchards slip road which directly duplicate provision within the shopping centre

33 This will preserve 21 public conveniences with 4 remaining in Hereford City, 1 in Kington, 4 in
Leominster, 2 in Bromyard, 2 in Ledbury, 3 in Ross-on-Wye, 1 in Leintwardine, 1 in Weobley
and 1 in Symonds Yat.

34 Through stakeholder discussions, we have identified the potential for public conveniences to
be delivered more locally in partnership with community groups and City, Town and Parish
Councils. The approach in relation to Public Conveniences could provide a model for the
wider adoption of self-delivery within local communities and provide an opportunity to work
more closely with Town and Parish Councils to ensure local delivery matches local
aspirations. It is recommended that formal discussions with City, Town and Parish Councils
and community groups to transfer management and cleaning commence alongside a wider
discussion regarding devolving services and local service delivery. It may be appropriate for
this to be taken forward through the Safer and Stronger Communities Phase 2 Root and
Branch Review.

Coming up this Wednesday 3rd October 1.30pm at Overview and Scrutiny Committee The Council Chamber, Brockington, 35 Hafod Road, Hereford Item 7 on the agenda Tucked away under additional documents is the part concerning public toilets: 28 Public Convenience Review 29 The Council maintains 25 public conveniences around the County which results in annual revenue costs of c£230k. As a non-statutory element of the Streetscene services, a detailed review of this area has been conducted to consider alternative models of service delivery including withdrawal. Over recent months, the review has looked at the current quality of provision and talked to stakeholders including City, Town and Parish Councils. 30 During this review, it has become clear that the current standard of provision does not meet our aspirations for high quality, sustainable, accessible toilet provision to meet the needs of local people and visitors to Herefordshire. The review has looked at how service delivery could be changed to better meet local needs across the County and learn from good practice elsewhere improve the quality and availability of public toilets. 31 In recent years the number of toilets available for use by the public has increased, for example within supermarkets, cafes and public houses. There are also a number of public buildings across the County where toilets exist and could be made more available to the public. The review is therefore recommending that Herefordshire takes advantage of these opportunities by establishing a “Community Toilet Scheme” to work with local businesses to support and signpost visitors to such locations. This concept is already in place and successful in places across the Country including Powys and Gloucestershire and can bring real benefits in terms of customers for retailers whilst improving access to toilets. 32 All sites currently maintained by the Council have also been looked at to assess whether they should be retained taking into account the need to avoid duplication, reflect local changes in demand and reduce levels of anti-social behaviour reported to the Police. This has resulted in four sites Countywide being identified for closure subject to final agreement. All these sites are in Hereford and have been selected to address site specific issues. They are • Union Street where there is currently a single unit with significant history of anti-social behaviour and alternative better quality facilities exist close by in Gaol Street Car Park • East Street where there is also a significant history of anti-social behaviour with alternative provisional also readily accessible • Merton Meadow which is no longer required due to development proposals; and, • Maylords Orchards slip road which directly duplicate provision within the shopping centre 33 This will preserve 21 public conveniences with 4 remaining in Hereford City, 1 in Kington, 4 in Leominster, 2 in Bromyard, 2 in Ledbury, 3 in Ross-on-Wye, 1 in Leintwardine, 1 in Weobley and 1 in Symonds Yat. 34 Through stakeholder discussions, we have identified the potential for public conveniences to be delivered more locally in partnership with community groups and City, Town and Parish Councils. The approach in relation to Public Conveniences could provide a model for the wider adoption of self-delivery within local communities and provide an opportunity to work more closely with Town and Parish Councils to ensure local delivery matches local aspirations. It is recommended that formal discussions with City, Town and Parish Councils and community groups to transfer management and cleaning commence alongside a wider discussion regarding devolving services and local service delivery. It may be appropriate for this to be taken forward through the Safer and Stronger Communities Phase 2 Root and Branch Review. megilleland

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megilleland says...
9:36am Sun 30 Sep 12

Have a look at this site for the 2012 Loo of the Year Awards to get an insight of what they expect to find when carrying out their inspections. Also how the disabled are expected to cope if toilets are removed:

http://www.loo.co.uk
/

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VWVWVW says...
9:52am Sun 30 Sep 12

I submitted a petition on 28th but it has to be reviewed by the Democratic Services Team and "this may take up to 10 days" - see below from HC guidance

How do I start an ePetition?
On the ePetitions homepage, select the ‘Submit a new ePetition’ option. You will be prompted to enter a title which the system will automatically check against existing ePetitions to allow you to see if a similar one has been considered recently.

You will then need to fill in the online form. This will be submitted to the
Democratic Services team who may contact you to discuss your ePetition
before it goes live. It may take up to 10 days for your ePetition to be published
online.

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Lukio says...
5:57pm Sun 30 Sep 12

VWVWVW - could you get over to the Belmont Voice (belmontvoice.co.uk) forums and register as it will be more visible to us and this story may be taken down. We'll be better able to organise ourselves over there too. Cheers.

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bobby47 says...
7:17pm Sun 30 Sep 12

Lukio, I ain't so sure brother in chaos. Yes it's an established forum and its probably the answer to our way forward but.....and I ain't being awkward.....what about people like unique, probono, Colin j marschall and farmer bill? I'm fairly certain they live outside the City and I ain't leaving them behind.
Don't be thinking I'm against the notion but, BV does seem to be a well organised local thing and I ain't so sure our views and our stinging expressions of frustration would fit in with their forum.
Lets face it, we band of renegades may not be suited to the hopes and aims of BV and it may happen that they will think that we have hijacked their already great little forum.
I ain't sure Lukio.
Views of yours and the Other Posters please.

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silentbull says...
7:31pm Sun 30 Sep 12

Don't want to be negative but
I live no where near Belmount and have no connection or interest in Belmount whatsoever..,
What's wrong with starting one up our selfs??
Ps I've got no idea how to start one though

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bobby47 says...
7:39pm Sun 30 Sep 12

Understand Silentbull. Lets wait for Lukio to come back on line and we can take it from there.
It ain't a problem to start our own off and it also ain't a problem to latch onto BV as long as it caters for all of us.
Me, I just want us all to stick together and become a forum that frightens the Council to death.

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bobby47 says...
8:29pm Sun 30 Sep 12

Lukio, Where are you? Drinking Cider and watching the X Factor.
There's Silentbull, Ubique, Probono, Colin J Marschell and FarmerBill who I know ain't got any affinity with our possible new allies. What do you think?
As I've said before, I want us all to stick together, be a thorn in the side of this Herefordshire Council but we've gotta make the right decision.
I've been and had a peep at BV and they are sound, well run and provide a great local forum for Belmont.....but, they ain't like us. We are scathing and uncompromising whereas BV are kind, thoughtful and thoroughly decent.
I don't want us to be kind and I don't want us to undermine what BV have. A good little local neighbourhood watch forum.
My best regards.

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Lukio says...
9:31pm Sun 30 Sep 12

Sorry folks, the wife's out on the town and I'm having to look after 3 unruly kids! They're asleep now luckily and I'm awaiting her return with a nice greasy kebab hopefully.

I see your concerns about using BV but Colin (website admin) is going to expand it to incorporate us as well into it. He mentions on the front page of the website that changes are afoot and that we may be coming on board. So fear not, it's name may be BV but it will be for us all. We're fighting the same causes as our Southside brethren so I think it makes sense for us to congregate on there.

I don't want to reinvent the wheel...

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Lukio says...
9:34pm Sun 30 Sep 12

Unless you really are against going onto BV, we'll get our own established and invite like minded users from BV to join that.

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silentbull says...
3:18am Mon 1 Oct 12

I've got nothing against 'BV' just that i I've got no interest in it,
We need something that fights for all of Herefordshire not just one small part of it 'but' yes it makes sense for at least the short term

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Lukio says...
7:25am Mon 1 Oct 12

Let's gauge what kind of interest and support we get. If it takes off we can look at alternatives then.

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LouisWalsh says...
12:25pm Mon 1 Oct 12

Just a thought - but you could set up a facebook page?

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cursor says...
2:45pm Mon 1 Oct 12

Facebook pages are free but I think it'll be taken more seriously if it's a dedicated website in the same vein as Belmont Voice.

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William Rudd says...
7:59pm Mon 1 Oct 12

I'm one of many who are sick n fekin tired of drug users using the public loos to score.The needle problem in East St is ridiculous but closing the problem loos is not the answer.

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VWVWVW says...
8:58pm Mon 1 Oct 12

Absolutely right! Their bad management of the loos should not be our problem! Closing them will be.

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TwoWheelsGood says...
10:21pm Mon 1 Oct 12

Not a facebork page please - I won't sign up to any of their profiteering and intrusive shenanigans.

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Lukio says...
12:50pm Tue 2 Oct 12

William, you speak sense. I've had to take my kids in there and it's pretty disgusting that there are dirty needles on the floor. But don't punish the rest of us because HC can't manage them properly.

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Ubique5740 says...
2:05pm Tue 2 Oct 12

I have just returned from a few days in South Devon, on entering a public toilet in Torquay I was surprised to see that the lighting appeared blue, I asked an attendant why, I was advised that the lighting is UV lighting and makes it very difficult for drug users to "jack up" on the premises. They also install proper containers for used needles.
In Falmouth one has to pay 10p to use public toilets which has a permanent Toilet Attendant on duty to manage the premises.

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TwoWheelsGood says...
3:51pm Tue 2 Oct 12

Ubique5740 - yes, these are simple measures that do dramatically enhance the comfort break experience and are commonplace elsewhere. Unfortunately, our lazy and blinkered Council let us down yet again - the best they can come up with is to get rid and dump it on the shopkeepers. No civic pride. On the plus side, I look forward to a reduction in my Council Tax from the savings accrued.

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Gillian1961 says...
8:39pm Tue 2 Oct 12

bobby47 wrote:
Well done Silentbull. We were hoping for someone sane to step forward but you'll do lad. Well done.

Want you be tarred with the same brush

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bobby47 says...
9:13pm Tue 2 Oct 12

Hello Gillian, How are you my sister comrade?
I'll not have it said or implied that I'm insane. I've got a piece of paper here, crumpled and coffee stained that says, ' This man cannot be Sectioned for a fourth time. He is not insane...........yet
'.
My warmest regards Gillian.

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richybeaver says...
8:14am Wed 3 Oct 12

Free forums can be created at http://www.proboards
.com/

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City centre to loos out on four public toilets? (From Hereford Times)

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Four city centre loos earmarked for closure

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