A great day!

The only public toilets in Saltaire were closed down by Bradford Council in 2017, due to budget cuts. Since then, people have had to use those in Salts Mill or various coffee shops. During lockdown, when those too were closed, there were many reports of desperate people ducking down in the bushes in Roberts Park! Disgusting, even if understandable - and a sad reflection on what is supposed to be one of Bradford's tourism gems and a World Heritage Site to boot. 

Shipley Town Council came into being in 2020, thanks to local campaigning and has eleven unpaid councillors and a full-time paid Clerk.  One of their first acts has been to refurbish and re-open the public toilets in the Caroline Street carpark. 

They will be open from 8am to 8pm daily, and will be cleaned daily by the contractors who also clean Shipley College. 

There are plans too to re-open toilets in Shipley town centre and Northcliffe Park. 

The grand re-opening on 10th July was performed by the Chair of Shipley Town Council, Councillor Mike Connors. He is pictured in my top photo along with Dr Farzana Khan and James Roberts (aptly named but, I think, no relation to the Sir James Roberts who was so significant in Saltaire's history), who were both key in managing the project, and Joe Ashton, the Town Clerk.

I went along to witness and record this small piece of history taking place. I'm hardly likely to use the facilities, with living just round the corner. I am, however, really happy that the £30 or so 'local precept' that I pay  each year as part of my council tax is being used in such a constructive and vital way.

I think it is sad that, in the 21st century, we have so much knowledge and awareness of what is important to people's lives, health, wellbeing and dignity (not to mention the health of the planet, local and global) - and yet in so many ways we as a society fall short of actioning that knowledge. Our 19th century benefactor Sir Titus Salt placed great emphasis on the wellbeing of his workers. I am really glad there are people campaigning locally, even in these small ways, to do the same. Congratulations - a great day!