Pensioner 'delighted' after fencing removed from defibrillator

As revealed in the Echo earlier this week, fencing was built around the public toilets in Angel Crescent, as they were closed for refurbishment.

However, Bitterne residents were outraged at the council's decision to block a potentially life saving defibrillator with temporary fencing.

The next closest defibrillator is 176 yards away and the authority said that it was looking into the issue as a matter of urgency. 

The defibrillator was originally blocked by fencing (Image: NQ)One Southampton resident, Sheila Roseman from Woolston, said: "Surely there must have been a way to safely close off the toilets whilst ensuring there is still access to a device that could save someone’s life?

"Seems like a definite lack of common sense to me."

77-year-old Southampton resident Robert Harland also spoke out against the council and said he was appalled they had blocked the defibrillator.

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Reacting to the news the council had resolved the issue, Robert said: "I was delighted to see the council has had the good sense to take note of the Echo's piece about the public toilets in Bitterne.

"The council have now made the defibrillator easily accessible during the rehabilitation work."

The public toilets have been subject to scrutiny in recent months, with people branding the facilities as ‘disgusting’ and ‘vile’.

The defibrillator has now been freed from obstruction (Image: Submitted)Southampton City Council has responded by stating the toilets are scrubbed clean on a daily basis.

The refurbishment was agreed following public consultation in September 2022. 

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said: “From Thursday, May 30, the council adjusted the fencing around Bitterne public toilets to allow access to the defibrillator for when it is back in service.”

The refurbishment works are due to be completed by end of July 2024.