Public toilets closures opposed

More than 6,000 people have signed a petition against a decision to close 10 public toilets in Derby.

The city council's Conservative and Labour groups are sending 200 letters to businesses urging them to support a campaign to keep the facilities open.

Derby Labour Leader Chris Williamson said the impact on local businesses could be severe.

Funding for the toilets was cut to help balance the budget, a spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrat council said.

Closure programme

Mr Williamson said: "We're looking to get the support of businesses in the Cathedral Quarter, whose business is likely to be affected by a reduction in footfall in the area if people stop going there because they're concerned by a lack of public conveniences."

A motion has been tabled at the next full council meeting urging officials to have a rethink.

Six city centre toilets are due to close later this month, with two at Victoria Street and the Spot due to close in January.

Those at the Assembly Rooms and the Eagle Centre Market will not close until building work on the new bus station is completed later next year.