ENSURING Rubery residents can spend a penny in a pleasant place has been the mission of one woman for 33 years.

Bromsgrove District Council is set to honour Linda Ratcliffe for dedicating her life to keeping the toilets in Rubery village clean and safe.

The Cleves Drive resident, who has now retired from the job, has been cleaning the toilets since October 1970, when she took on the job to supplement her family's income.

A year later, she applied for the vacant position of cleaning the ladies lavatories, which were situated in the recreation ground. Her grandfather cleaned the men's toilets.

When the new toilets were built in New Road she took on the responsibility of cleaning both.

She has cleaned the lavatories twice a day, every day of the year, including at Christmas. On carnival day they have to be cleaned throughout the day, until 9pm.

Along with evidence of drug abuse in the toilets, Linda has also had to clean up after two attempted suicides.

Rubery's district councillor Dave McGrath (Lab) said: "Linda has done a marvellous job for the community for more than thirty years. She has given unstinting service and it's very fitting that she should be publicly acknowledged for this service to the community of Rubery.

"She was ably supported by her husband John who often transported and helped Linda in all kinds of inclement weather.

"Thank you Linda from us all at the council."

Council chairman Cllr John Tidmarsh payed tribute to Linda at the full council meeting.