A FORMER council leader is demanding the reopening of public toilets in Parkstone – pointing out that he once performed a similar U-turn himself.

Newtown councillor Brian Clements said the closure of the Jubilee Road loos in May in favour of a ‘community toilet’ scheme had not worked.

And he recalled how he changed his mind in 1999 when he was council leader and there was an outcry over the closure of the Haven WCs at Sandbanks.

He will ask Poole council tomorrow to consider the issue again. The meeting is due to receive a 1,400-signature petition on the issue.

A report by council officials in February said six businesses would be signed up to provide the use of their loos before the Jubilee Road facilities were closed.

But only four businesses signed up and one of those – Oswald Bailey – has since shut down.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Clements, who led the council from 1991-2003, said: “I remember when I was leader of the council I did a U-turn over toilets at the Haven. I will be making the case to council that they ought to do the same again.

“That was one where we realised it was a mistake and I think that’s true of Jubilee Road.”

He said there were not enough toilets available to shoppers and there had been complaints of people relieving themselves in public.

Richard Wilson, chairman of Ashley Road Traders’ Association, has already lodged a complaint with the Borough of Poole, claiming traders were ‘misled’ over the number of businesses taking part.

Conservative cabinet member Cllr Xena Dion, whose Penn Hill ward includes part of Ashley Road, said in a statement: “I believe the facilities being provided through the community toilet scheme offer a good service to local people whilst also achieving financial savings to help protect other services.

“The toilets available are fit for purpose and well-maintained as well as being open later in the evening. The matter will however be discussed by council on Tuesday, when any decisions on future steps will be made.”

Tomorrow’s meeting starts at 7pm in the Civic Centre.