IT IS disappointing that politics takes over from common sense over the issue of the provision of toilets in Ashley Road.

The resistance to what amounts to a much better offer for shoppers is nothing more than ward councillors looking for votes.

The figure of six participating businesses was, whilst desirable, not a fixed requirement for the scheme to proceed and no-one was misled.

The Jubilee Road toilets were in a very poor state of repair, and money is just not available to refurbish them.

There are actually more toilets available now within the community toilet scheme.

All are well signposted with a map of their location on the old toilets.

The nearest one is just 150 yards away.

These facilities offer a much better service to local people. Unlike the previous toilets, they are fit for purpose, clean and well maintained as well as being open later into the evening.

There is also a better choice of locations rather than people having to make their way to the public toilets in only one end of Ashley Road.

Local authorities are not obliged to provide public toilet facilities and this scheme is a good example of the Borough of Poole working in partnership with the business community to ensure shoppers can access toilets along Ashley Road if they need to.

I would also hope that none of the businesses on Ashley Road would turn away someone who desperately needed to use their toilet facilities, and we are continuing to work hard to encourage more to become part of the new community toilet scheme.

CLLR XENA DION, portfolio holder for environment and consumer protection, Borough of Poole