Thanks for listening on closing Markeaton loos
THERE are two points I would like to raise about articles in the Derby Telegraph in recent days.
Firstly, I congratulate Paul Bayliss, leader of the council, for listening to our councillors in Mackworth, who, in turn, have listened to the residents of their ward, regarding the toilets at the entrance to Markeaton Park ("Park toilets and former sex meeting place are set to be shut once again," January 19).
I have not met any residents in the New Zealand area of Derby who thought it was a good idea to open the toilets up in that location. We are all very aware of the problems these toilets have had in the past and do not wish to have them again.
There was no consultation with local people when the decision was made to reopen them and, had there been, Councillor Philip Hickson would have had no doubt that the majority of local people did not want the toilets reopened.
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Secondly, I read with interest the front page article about people on benefits having to pay a percentage of their council tax for the first time, "12,000 more face demand to pay city's tax", (January 23).
We are all aware of the difficult times we are experiencing and we are constantly being told that we must all do our part.
The New Zealand area has a very high percentage of student accommodation.
It has come to the attention of the New Zealand Community Association that this accommodation is not liable to pay council tax.
If we are really all in this together, can any of our elected members explain why, if we are expecting the poorest in society to pay towards their council tax, surely those better off should also be asked to contribute.
Mandy Coons
Chairman of the New Zealand Community Association
Mackenzie Street
Derby
3 Comments
by Pagenotfound
Saturday, February 02 2013, 6:46PM
“Yes make students in derby pay council tax, watch applications for derby university and colleges plummet because it costs more to study here, see them struggle, maybe then you will see how much the students and university contribute to Derby's economy outside of a few pound council tax
Just a thought
(I'm not a student)”
by janine2011
Saturday, February 02 2013, 3:18PM
“CoachOgre I agree students should pay council tax, living near many students I am amazed how they all bleat about how much the fees are, and then see they are out every night until the early hours, drunk before they even hit the pubs and clubs and legless on their way back. If they can afford to go out every night they can afford to pay council tax.”
by CoachOgre
Saturday, February 02 2013, 9:23AM
“So will be now see an increase in people nipping behind a bush after getting off a bus to go to Markeaton park due to toilets closing especially parents with young children or will McDonalds welcome them with a free burger? Any public toilet is open to abuse by a few, should we punish the many because of that? Perhaps CCTV around the area might have helped or regular inspections by attendants/park rangers oh I forgot they have all but been got rid off as part of the cost saving cuts to allow managers to be kept. As for student accommodation, I have to agree if the general public on low incomes have to pay 20% council tax then students should to or do they not use refuse collections, leisure facilities or walk/ride/drive along well lit streets at night? Come on Councillor Bayliss you say you are doing your best for the citizens of Derby prove it.”