August 29, 1975

Shoppers are being caught short in Redditch - because of the lack of public toilets.

In a survey conducted by Indicator staff, we found few shoppers knew where the existing loos were in the town.

Even fewer used them because they said they were either locked or in a dirty condition.

Visitors to Redditch also said they could not see any signs for public toilets.

But residents already aware of the sad lack of facilities said they made sure they paid calls to nature before setting out from home to shop.

But it seems that Redditch may soon get what can only be described as a "super loo".

This will be incorporated in the phase III development of the Kingfisher Centre.

Meanwhile, those taken short in the town centre will simply have to cross their legs.

Apparently, according to a Redditch Council spokesman, there is difficulty in finding suitable sites for toilets, but Redditch Development Corporation is aware of the needs of the people and is going ahead with the setting up of temporary toilets in the phase II development.

Highlighting the problem shoppers find in the town is the case of the old gentleman seen to relieve himself by the bushes outside St Nicholas' Church.