A proposal by Plymouth Labour to be debated at the annual budget meeting on Monday could see St Budeaux getting its long-awaited public loos at last.

Councillor Sally Haydon has been campaigning to get a new set of lavatories for St Budeaux Square ever since she pledged money from her community grant to pay towards the cost almost three years ago.

The dilapidated toilet block on Wolseley Road, next to the community centre, was earmarked as an important project and Cllr Haydon was one of three Labour councillors who pledged £3,600 each from their annual grant in the financial year 2020-2021.   It was 80 per cent of their total grant for the year. 

“This was all carefully planned when Labour were in charge,” said Cllr Haydon.

“But once the Conservatives took over the running of the council it came to a complete standstill and the money from our community grant is still  languishing somewhere.”

Labour’s budget amendment would see £20,000 allocated from the revenue provision for pipeline capital projects for works to St Budeaux loos and a recommendation to Cabinet to ensure their reinstatement as a matter of urgency.

“I am so pleased we are putting forward this budget amendment which would mean residents in St Budeaux get what they have waited a very long time for,” said Cllr Haydon.

Cllr Haydon’s words were echoed by Labour’s St Budeaux candidate Jon Dingle.

“I’ve been knocking on hundreds of doors across the ward over the past few months,” said Jon.

“And I have to say that the loos come up at least once during every canvass – it would be great to see this amendment pass so work can finally begin.”