THIS is the scene that confronted one Chester resident when she went to use a public toilet in the city centre.
Joanne Larkin, 50, described the state of the conveniences on Frodsham Street at around 3pm last Saturday (June 22) as an “utter disgrace”.
The grandmother, who works as an office manager and lives in Hoole, told the Standard: “I was fortunate enough not to have any of my grandchildren as it was shocking enough for me to see. I would hate any child to have to see that state.”
She posted a photo to the Chester’s Biggest Community Notice Board Facebook page on Friday saying: “Went to use the public toilets in Frodsham st, what an utter disgrace to the City.”
It was met with shock and anger by other residents with one woman saying: “Welcome to Chester! Disgusting.”
And another added: “We're probably the only city to have more public sharps bins for smack heads than we have recycling bins. And people think Chester is posh! Cheshire West and Chester Council need to sort it out.”
The Standard asked the council what is being done to ensure public toilets are safe.
In a statement, Cllr Karen Shore, Cabinet Member Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, said: “We are disappointed and sorry that the toilets in Frodsham Street were found in this condition, and recognise the level of concern expressed by our residents. The toilets are cleaned and checked several times a day, seven days a week. In addition to the daily cleaning, we have also increased our daily inspections following this incident.
“If we receive a complaint about antisocial behaviour our officers and cleansing contractor take immediate action, whenever drug related litter is identified it is immediately removed by Council staff or cleaning contractors.
“We have regular meetings between community safety, public health and the police about antisocial behaviour and issues with discarded syringes. The vast majority of needle exchange users use the service responsibly and dispose of used equipment safely.
“If anyone comes across our public toilets in a poor condition please report them through our online reporting system or through our customer services team. Please also report antisocial behaviour to the police Tel: 101”.
* If members of the public find any drug related litter / discarded syringes – they should not touch them but report them to the Council by telephoning 0300 123 7035 5pm – 8am. You also need to call this number if it is a bank holiday or at the weekend. You can also report it via the ‘Report It’ section of the Council website www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/contact-us/report-it/report-it.aspx
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