VOTE: Bus station loos condemned as ‘disgraceful’ (From This Is Lancashire)

VOTE: Bus station loos condemned as ‘disgraceful’

8:58am Friday 30th October 2009

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TOWN centre shoppers are calling for improvements to the toilets at Bury bus station, which have been slammed as “disgraceful”.

Visitors say they are appalled by the toilet facilities at the Interchange and have demanded a total refurbishment.

Many believe the poor state of the toilets is a morbid reminder of the horrific murder of Shirley Leach, which took place there almost 16 years ago.

Last night, resident Ann Audin, from Unsworth, was due to raise the issue with Bury Council again — a year after she first lodged a complaint.

She is furious nothing has been done to improve the toilets which, she claims, are “not fit for animals”.

Mrs Audin, of Harris Drive, said: “They really are in a disgusting state.

“A lot of people who use them are elderly.

“There are 19 coaches coming to Bury on market days and the bus station toilets are the first they come to.

“An elderly woman was murdered there and they are still in the same condition.”

The naked body of 66-year-old grandmother Shirley Leach was discovered in a ladies’ cubicle in January, 1994, after she had been sexually assaulted, strangled and mutilated.

Mrs Audin added: “Millions of pounds are being spent on development in Bury to attract new businesses and people.

“I think it is time the council got its priorities right and, instead of making cuts, spends a few thousand on the bus station toilets.”

The Interchange toilets are owned by the Greater Manchester Public Transport Executive (GMPTE) and maintained by Bury Council.

Cllr Dorothy Gunther, Bury Council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “In the last two years, we have power-washed them, repainted them and installed new hand dryers, sinks, mirrors and UV lights to deter drug users.

“However, while admission is free and therefore access is available to all, we are continually beset by problems of anti-social behaviour, which will not be addressed until the facilities are either permanently manned or a charge is introduced for their use.

“In the meantime, the council has invested in the refurbishment of its own toilets at nearby Murray Road, next to the market.

“The work is well under way and the toilets should reopen by December.”

Cllr Gunther said people are advised to use alternative facilities in the market hall in Kay Gardens.

GMPTE bosses admit the toilets are not up to scratch and say they are working with the council to find a solution.

Michael Renshaw, interim bus and rail director, said: “The toilets at Bury Interchange station have been operated by Bury Council since they were opened.

“However, we are conscious that the facilities need to be improved and we are in discussions with the council to see what options are available to achieve this.”

Among the complaints received by members of the public about the toilets are they are: Dangerous and unsafe Graffiti is on the walls Floors are flooded Dirty toilets and sinks Closed at peak times.

I wouldn't feel safe using toilets', says visitor Kathleen

KATHLEEN Duddy, aged 63, has used the toilets when visiting the town from her home in Whitefield.

Mrs Duddy said: “They are a disgrace and I wouldn’t feel safe using them. I think there should be more toilets in the town centre considering the amount of visitors. The Interchange ones only seem to be open at certain times.”

A bus station staff member said the toilets close for around three hours from about 3.30pm each weekday for cleaning.

But Bury shopper Jessica Goggins, aged 16, said she would not even go in the toilets because they were “horrible”.

Laura Kyme, also aged 16, said: “I might go in them if they were nicer and made more modern, but I wouldn’t feel very safe.”

Leanne Gill, aged 17, who works in Bury, thinks the toilets have a bad reputation.

Miss Gill, from Whitefield, said: “I have heard bad things about them, I heard someone got raped and murdered in them so I wouldn’t feel safe.

“They are disgusting and should be made more people-friendly if the council wants people to use them.”

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