SIR – Yesterday I signed a petition to keep the public toilets in Shipley from closing down.

For years I have seen signs put up directing people to Shipley centre and heard people being encouraged to shop locally rather than go further afield.

In the present economic situation, we all have to tighten our belts, but there are things we can do without and things which we can’t.

Toilets happen to fit into the latter category. After spending more than £80,000 refurbishing the amenities not that many years ago, it would seem illogical to: a) waste that money, and b) expect the public to shop in Shipley but not attend to the needs of nature while there.

The one and only public toilet in the Canal Road shopping centre has also been boarded up for years. What is wrong with this council?

Kathy Oldfield, Roundwood, Shipley