FARNWORTH folk who stop at the town's new bus station to spend a penny are furious that it now costs them TEN times that much.

The newly revamped bus station in King Street - including new "Tardis" toilets - were officially unveiled on Monday.

A total of £130,000 has been spent on the refurbishment by a partnership of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and Bolton Council.

But many members of the public think they new hi-tec toilet cubicles are a backward step for the bus station.

Flushes

The new unisex automatic toilets work when 10p is placed in a slot. The door opens electronically and shuts again once someone is inside. The toilet flushes and disinfects automatically.

One shopper who regularly visits Farnworth Market from his home in Salford believes the toilets should have been left as they were.

Edward Maguire, 63, said: "I think these new toilets are very confining for older people who want to use them - especially those who don't really understand new technology.

"I've seen people walk up to them and then walk away because they can't use them. People are just going in to a nearby pub instead so they don't have to pay, which can't be convenient for the pub."

One person from Harrowby Street, Farnworth, wrote into the BEN: "Having seen the toilet facilities of the new bus station at Farnworth, I believe it to be outrageous to have to pay to use them and no change is given.

"What about bus drivers and people with prams? This will create many problems. These facilities are push button controlled which can soon go wrong. This is downright disgusting when they demolished quite good toilets which took more than one person at a time.

"I object to this hair-brained idea which restricts people who object to paying or may not have any change. I believe I have now seen everything."

A Farnworth pensioner added: "My wife and I needed to use the toilet as we waited for a bus and it cost us 20p. It's extortionate.

"In the old toilet blocks there was a row of toilets for the men and even more for the women."

But the new toilets have had the thumbs up from some users.

Emma Aldred, aged 16, thinks they are more hygienic and convenient. She said: "They are definitely an improvement and I don't mind using them, but it was bit difficult to work out at first. I don't like having to pay though."

Cllr Guy Harkin, vice chairman of the transport authority, welcomed the overall refurbishment scheme.

He said: "I am delighted that the authority and Bolton Council have been able to get together to deliver these improvements to the people of Farnworth.

"The work has totally transformed the station, with old shelters, signs and street furniture being replaced with brand new ones and an existing toilet block making way for two brand new automatic public conveniences."

He added: "I am also pleased that tactile paving for the benefit of blind people has been introduced in the areas approaching crossing points.

"Where possible, the authority is planning all new improvements at stations with accessibility in mind.

Safety

"We are also concerned about the safety of our passengers and therefore, I also welcome the improvements that have been made to lighting in the station.

"I hope that everybody who uses this station will be happy with the refurbishments and that they will make travel by bus more appealing and more pleasant for everybody in the Farnworth area."

Responding to the criticism of the new toilets, a PTA spokesman said: " We understand the old toilets owned by Bolton Council were under threat.

"The toilets we have provided are superior to these and the most viable option at the moment in terms of cleanliness and security."

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