WHEN will something be done about the public conveniences near March bridge? Will someone disengage from regeneration commitments for a moment and arrange an in-depth inspection of this necessary amenity? I refer, of course, to the gentlemen s half of the

WHEN will something be done about the public conveniences near March bridge?

Will someone disengage from regeneration commitments for a moment and arrange an in-depth inspection of this necessary amenity?

I refer, of course, to the gentlemen's half of the building, not that I think many gentlemen would willingly risk the sight of what looks like a 1920s ground-level pig trough. But they have no choice, do they?

Slippery floors, tiles coming away from the walls, a half-working hand-wash and an overwhelming anaesthetised sense of gross neglect.

Externally the building itself seems in reasonable repair. But inside? As far as loos go this one is well on its way to propping up others in the league table.

It is a disgrace. Hygiene is non-existent. It is well past its sell-by date. It is high time proper sanitary fitments were installed.

I can remember when the town had a couple of men's iron-grill loos, the best the Victorians could provide, complimentary it seemed to the Fountain. One was at the top end of Creek Road junction, the other recessed into the Town Hall.

It was almost a pleasure to relieve oneself at the former-mentioned loo. You could watch the traffic and passers-by at the same time.

If economy is the problem the council might experiment with the French form of supportive chains above a hole in the ground. I nearly hanged myself using one of those. It was like being a prisoner in the Bastille.

If I were a river visitor to March I would much prefer the cramped little room of a narrow boat than be insulted by the sight of an antiquated ground level urinal. At least it would help it a few wellies were available at the entrance.

Here we are in the 21st century putting up with a lot of hype about re-generation and we cannot even get round to regenerate a decent public toilet.

For heaven's sake councillors, manipulate priorities and spend a bit more money on essentials. Now that would be a relief.

TREVOR BEVIS

St Peter's Road

March