'˜Dreadful' impact of toilets on Preston businesses
Leaders claim drug users are spending time in the unit in Lune Street, Preston, having a “dreadful” effect on businesses and the town centre.
Police, paramedics and council chiefs have been called to the site on numerous occasions, with city leaders “monitoring” the situation.
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Hide AdFred Rolfe, of Lune Street Fish and Chips, said: “No one ever uses them for the use they are intended for, and it’s having a detrimental effect on business.
“All the old people are terrified to walk through, it’s having a dreadful effect.”
He said ambulances were regularly called out, with police also contacted about the situation. He said: “At a time Chorley A&E isn’t open, I think it’s outrageous.
“I live here as well, and I see all the trouble around here.
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Hide Ad“It’s having a completely negative effect on the town centre and the businesses.”
Police confirmed officers had been contacted and made aware of the situation, and had given advice.
A spokesman said the issue was for the council to deal with, but said there would be patrols in the area.
A spokesman for Preston Council said: “We have been in touch with Mr Rolfe about the issues at the toilet.
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Hide Ad“The council has a duty to provide clean and safe public toilets. “Those toilets are only a few years old, and we regularly clean and inspect them.”
He said the toilets were regularly supervised, but said: “We can’t have somebody in place 24-7.”
He added: “We have also made the police aware of the potential for anti-social behaviour, and will continue to monitor the situation.”
Ambulance bosses confirmed paramedics had been called to two incidents in the area on Tuesday.