YOU'VE DONE IT! People power finally proved to be unstoppable as last night the decision was made to re-open the toilets in Mell Square.
Members took the decision to review the toilet provision and tempoarily re-open the facility, which will cost £16,150 for six months.
The news will come as a welcome relief for the thousands of Silhillians who have been campaigning for their return since they were closed in July.
Earlier in the evening cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities, Coun David Bell (Con, Meriden), had considered the matter at his decision making session, where toilet campaigner, Coun Jim Ryan (Ind, Bickenhill), handed over a petition of 4,968 signatures supporting the re-opening.
Speaking at the meeting, Coun Ryan, said: "What the people have said to me is they have found that the decision in the first instance was an obscene one, it challenged the very dignity of Solihull people and they demand to be treated with respect."
The closures were originally approved by Full Council back in March and were made to save the council £210,000 as part of them having to make £7m savings following their budget allocation.
David Mattocks, chair of the Disabled People's Network - Solihull, told members that after a survey of toilet provision in the town centre, the group had found Mell Square and Poplar way "not fit for purpose", while Labour Group Leader, Coun Hugh Hendry (Lab, Smith's Wood) had questioned where the council would be getting the money from to fund the re-opening.
Nevertheless, the decision was taken, subject to approval at Full Council on October 11, and the toilets will be funded from the working balances of the community services directorate.
Meanwhile after appearing in the Thai press, news of the toilet troubles have surfaced on the other side of the world - making the national press in New Zealand.
Former Solihull resident, Leon Penny, who now lives in Wellington, New Zealand, emailed the News after seeing the article in The Dominion Post on August 15.
