Newsflash… I have prostate cancer.
It’s been caught early (for which I am eternally grateful) and my condition is being closely monitored while we decide what to do next.
I mention this for two reasons. Firstly, to encourage all men - certainly those above 50 - to get themselves checked. It’s a simple, painless process.
Secondly, to make an appeal to those cash-strapped folk at County Hall in Taunton.
Now, cards on the table here, I really have no idea why a unitary council which has only been around for a matter of months can find itself in such a financial crisis.
I know historically government support for local authorities has been woeful, but Somerset’s predicted overspend is eye-watering.
Politicians of varying colours are blaming each other. Nothing new there then. But we the public are of course going to feel the pain – in some cases quite literally.
I am referring to public loos. Financial cuts are inevitable and one option being considered is closing the 25 public toilet blocks funded by Somerset Council. Really?
Public toilets on Paul Street in Taunton. (Image: Newsquest)
Since developing my prostate issues I have discovered a ‘given.’
Never walk past a toilet without using it. But that’s going to be easier said than done if the council goes through with its spending cuts.
There’s a limit to the number of times you can pretend you’ve had a coffee in a café or a half of beer in a pub, just so you can use their toilets.
At this point can I refer you to a paragraph on a website run by an organisation called Phlush, which campaigns for public toilets.
It says: "Our ability to respond to a universal biological need is a basic human right."
Couldn’t put it better myself - a human right! Not one, I guess, I could challenge in the European Court of Human Rights, so I’m doing it here.
This is the start of my campaign – SAVE OUR LOOS. Or maybe it should be SOS – Save Our Sanitation!
The problem is that here is no statutory responsibility on local councils to provide public toilets. I know – crazy!
So maybe it’s an easy ‘hit’ for Somerset Council, a quick way to save £300,000.
But people with a multitude of health conditions, from bladder disease to colitis, to prostate problems, will argue this is a saving which is both painful and demeaning.
My campaign may require an element of ‘relevant’ public protest. All ideas gratefully received!!!
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