THE Baiter toilets article in the Echo on Friday, July 21 raises concerns about the views of councillors.

Cllr John Rampton measures the cost of running the toilets in terms of 1,400 domiciliary care hours.

What are the comparative figures in respect of all civic expenditure, including members’ allowances and the contribution made to their lifetime index-linked pensions?

Cllr Rampton is quoted as saying “this talk of the committee opening Baiter Park toilets is saying we don’t want you to spend this money on other people, we want you spend it on what we want”.

People want money spent where it is needed, including domiciliary care and toilets.

If all other areas have been cut to the bone then lobby government to raise money for essential public services by raising taxes from those who can afford to pay (including me).

Cllr Rampton says “the real vulnerable people in our community are not running around Baiter Park, they cannot even get to Baiter Park”.

This is a disgusting comparison of people with varying levels of disability. Because disabled people can get or be taken to Baiter does not mean that they do not suffer real vulnerability. I have often seen specialist disabled transport in the car park with very vulnerable passengers.

Cllr Anne Stribley showed her ignorance by suggesting that disabled people “make provision before going out”. There are many medical conditions which require the urgent need for a toilet.

As a carer I know the distress this causes and it is difficult to reach suitable facilities at the quay or in the town centre. Her comment is insulting to disabled people who are very aware of their circumstances and do make provision before going out but still encounter an urgent need.

The council clearly makes significant income from the car parks in and around Baiter. Could this income not be increased by investing in a purpose-built cafe with combined modern public toilet facilities either run directly or by a concession to finance facilities?

RICHARD GRIFFITHS

Canford Avenue, Bournemouth

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