Bus station toilet fury

A £2.5 million blueprint for a new Stourbridge bus station has finally been given the go-ahead – but came under fire because passengers will have to pay to spend a penny.

Centro's original design for the station in Foster Street East was rejected in November when councillors said toilets were needed.

Three toilets were included in revised proposals submitted to Dudley development control committee which gave the scheme the green light last night.

But despite giving the project his backing, Councillor Geoffrey Southall branded Centro "mean" when he discovered people would have to pay to use the toilets.

He said: "I am extremely disappointed that they are pay toilets.

"I feel it is very mean-spirited of Centro to ask people who use their services to pay for the loos."

The rebuilding plan also includes 11 upgraded bus stands, electronic information boards, a waiting room and extra CCTV.

A passenger information services unit will incorporate a retail section with three toilets.

The existing public toilet block will be turned into a rest room for drivers at the station.

Centro spokesman Steve Swingler said: "We are looking at the possibility of charging 20p which is quite common for facilities.

We have already got a 20p charge at Wolverhampton and Wednesbury bus stations.

"By charging 20p it helps us to provide a cleaner environment and helps to deter anti-social behaviour - bearing in mind that these new facilities will be open around the clock."