Following a Conservative campaign to save the toilets in Upminster Park from permanent closure, the Residents Association Political Party and Labour Council have backtracked on their proposal. With growing backlash from residents, media speculation and over 150 signatures for a petition led by Conservative Upminster Ward volunteer Adam Baker, the council will now re-open the toilet.
Although it has been confirmed via Facebook, there is still a lack of clarity on when the toilets will re-open. Therefore, the Hornchurch and Upminster Conservative Association is calling for complete transparency from the council and publish the plan for reopening.
Adam Baker has welcomed the decision saying "it is clear that the Residents Association were out of touch with residents. Despite a public consultation in which closing the toilets were the 5th most negatively impact issue, the ratepayers still proposed the cuts. I am glad the councillors have finally seen sense so that users of the park and high street will now have toilet facilities." The Residents Association failed to acknowledge emails sent to them about the toilets. Now, they are discretely trying to hide the fact that they proposed the cuts in the first place.
Fellow Upminster Conservative Ward volunteer Ed Green has also welcomed the decision, saying "local residents can now enjoy the park. Re-opening the toilets encourage people to use the High Street and support the park which is home to grassroots sports clubs."
The Conservatives hope the Residents Association can stick to their promises and with a 40% increase to parking charges as well as a 4.99% hike to council tax, at the very least basic services should be provided.