tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post3916743208648321045..comments2023-06-21T12:30:17.221+01:00Comments on voiceforprotest: Spending a penny at BHS….voiceforchildrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16825129148579102037noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-18954041627000613672010-09-11T13:37:33.024+01:002010-09-11T13:37:33.024+01:00Can't say I noticed any toilets at Pasty Prest...Can't say I noticed any toilets at Pasty Presto the other day, will have another look some time!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-24063359278244825732010-09-08T23:29:08.065+01:002010-09-08T23:29:08.065+01:00As the Fire Officer explained, the recent New Look...As the Fire Officer explained, the recent New Look flat flames could so easily have spread to adjoining buildings like BHS.<br /><br />An inspection at BHS today revealed that access to the 1st floor emergency exit onto King Street is still very inadequate. The door openings are reduced by wall mounted displays and the floor routes are restricted by all sorts of products and equipment. Unfortunately, fires don't occur at the best moment - they are likely to happen when safety standards are lax and in a severe fire (when clothes start to ignite)the situation very quickly gets out of control.<br />The EXIT signs are still very few and difficult to see too AND the toilets remain closed to customers according to BHS staff.<br /><br />Changes in the management of FIRE department services are also a cause of worry. More and more responsibilty is to be placed on building owners and charges, for example, levied for dealing with emergencies. User pays firemen will soon be the norm - are you ready with your cash?<br /><br />Or, are you insured? - because that is the question that might be asked in future before the hose is uncoiled. Self certification is also rearing its ugly head ( just like Building Control) and Health and Safety will have more responsibility too for such matters.<br />Currently H & S say they have just two inspectors to deal with everything but if they take on fire and some building control duties - who will employ them and more painfully - who will pay for their services and advice?<br /><br />Tittle tattle and endless gossip about nothing of importance might be the stuff of some bloggers but here we try to discuss seriously important issues. <br />Sorry to be so boring boys and girls.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-91353609716179164062010-09-01T17:52:13.506+01:002010-09-01T17:52:13.506+01:00A very interesting piece from the BBC It is a basi...A very interesting piece from the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7683671.stm" rel="nofollow">BBC</a> It is a basic human right.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-60036453539049055332010-08-30T20:27:26.499+01:002010-08-30T20:27:26.499+01:00BHS store at Llanelli, Carmarthenshire has joined ...BHS store at Llanelli, Carmarthenshire has joined the local "Community Toilet Scheme" there.<br />Under a Welsh Assembly Government funded initiative, shops, pubs and restaurants are opening up their toilets for general public use and can receive payments up to £500 towards the cost of maintenance.<br />There is no need to buy anything at the businesses which all report increased footfall and some premises open later with security because of the extra public use and activity.<br /><br />Where is Llanelli? Is that on another planet too like Manchester? Do any of our 53 States representatives speak Welsh? <br />Can any of them speak to us about public toilets or store safety in Jersey?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-47802955271668906112010-08-30T10:10:28.727+01:002010-08-30T10:10:28.727+01:00http://www.britloos.co.uk/http://www.britloos.co.uk/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-68725741212832869252010-08-25T08:36:57.538+01:002010-08-25T08:36:57.538+01:00HC 636 was published in October 2008 by a UK Parli...HC 636 was published in October 2008 by a UK Parliament Select Committee. It is titled "The Provision of Public Toilets."<br /><br />TEAM VOICE has now contacted the Jersey Scrutiny office and urged that a similar study is made of public toilet provision in this Island (it could also look at transport systems to and from the island too).<br />Does Jersey have a public toilet strategy?<br />The UK report includes much research that will not need to be repeated. The cost of carrying out the study should be minimal but the benefits would be universal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-24109751990249396302010-08-25T08:28:25.167+01:002010-08-25T08:28:25.167+01:00Anybody interested in public toilet provision shou...Anybody interested in public toilet provision should Google to discover what other people think about the subject. <br />They will also discover that such issues as discrimination are addressed.<br />Of particular interest is the BRITISH TOILET ASSOCIATION which campaigns for better public toilet facilities for all.<br /><br />On their site are links to many similar instances where shops refuse to provide public toilets and of children being obliged to relieve themselves in the street.<br /><br />Ironically, shops are claiming Health & Safety regulations as the reason why their toilets are for staff only......<br /><br />The BTA's AGM takes place on 15th September 2010.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-62678839148461841072010-08-24T20:07:52.814+01:002010-08-24T20:07:52.814+01:00In Manchester city centre there is now a "Cit...In Manchester city centre there is now a "City Loos Scheme" in operation.<br />House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Debenhams,the Arndale, the Triangle, the Craft Centre, Museum of Science and Industry etc are all displaying signs inviting people to use their toilet facililities - whether they are customers or shoppers or not.<br />Signs also indicate if the facilities are for male, female, disabled persons or baby changing and say "You're welcome to use our facilities."<br /><br />Manchester? Where is that? Is that on another planet?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-64865723495133311422010-08-24T07:45:51.581+01:002010-08-24T07:45:51.581+01:00Interesting details of Philip Green's financia...Interesting details of Philip Green's financial dealings through Jersey devices in "Private Eye" City Page.<br /><br />As always, it is the sort of information that our own dear "accredited media" would not discover in a million years and our Financial Services regulators would never look at.<br /><br />Some extracts are posted on Tony's Musings Blog -perhaps a helpful nerd could post some links here?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-67026216381308790092010-08-23T16:04:43.582+01:002010-08-23T16:04:43.582+01:00Since we are talking about taking the p**s. What a...Since we are talking about taking the p**s. What about Connex drivers on Friday and Saturday evenings charging £2.00 to students instead of £1.00 only once the bus is at its stated capacity and not giving out tickets to the extra ten they get on!!! Don't believe me TTS then try a 'secret shopper'.<br />!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-5092496528714658302010-08-23T10:01:10.430+01:002010-08-23T10:01:10.430+01:00Re Woolworths - my thoughts exactly.
The Jersey Vi...Re Woolworths - my thoughts exactly.<br />The Jersey Viscount's Department will say only that this case will be brought back to the Royal Court "at the end of September" but offers no more details. A recent question of Senator Maclean in the States revealed that there were some outstanding creditor claims from Guernsey on the Jersey assets but nobody is saying much.<br />There is potentially a great deal of money involved but we should not forget that 30,000 working people lost their jobs. Many had been working for 25 years of more with the business.<br /><br />For Deloittes it was a bonanza of course. They were said to be charging £22,000 per hour for their services with individuals raking in up to £890 per hour in a team led by Neville Kahn.<br /><br />Austin Mitchell MP described the winding-up business as "an enormous extortion racket". <br />In total (at the last count) Deloittes had taken nearly £6 millions in fees but whether the Jersey winding-up is charged separately is not yet known.<br /><br />Deloittes were famously criticised in the Jersey Royal Court for having acted in this island without having obtained the prior approval of the Court. Without that they had no legal authority to be acting in Jersey at all.<br />To protect all parties - including the public - all matters are supposed to be brought back to the Royal Court for final approval and no monies should leave the Bailiwick unless local creditors have been paid off. We shall perhaps hear more fully in September? Or perhaps not!<br /><br />In fact, Deloittes have also been critiised in the UK for acting on behalf of the Woolworths banking syndicate (GMAC, Burdale etc) as well as being administrators. Questions of conflict of interest have been raised and it may be just coincidence that £335 Millions were paid to the bankers as "secured creditors" while many thounsands of lesser beings received litle or nothing.<br />One sock manufacturer was owed £300,000 and faced ruin. Ex - employees received only the bare legal minimum under UK law. Many were looking at pursuing legal actions for recovery of other sums and pension rights were not guaranteed.<br /><br />The rates of fees charged by Deloittes were conveniently agreed by a "creditors committee" made up of bankers and private equity firms.<br /><br />When this case returns to the Royal Court it will be no doubt be fully sorted. Any difficult questions that might cause Jersey's finance industry to be seen in a bad light will have been ironed out - but who will be arguing on behalf of the little people? Shall anybody here be fighting for any "unsecured creditors" facing ruin?<br /><br />Who shall be fighting to ensure that the Jersey tax-payer's bill is kept to a minimum and who shall be inspecting the fees charged by Deloitte's and others?<br /><br />When the dust has settled, shall any of our 53 elected representatives be proposing any changes in Jersey law regarding outside businesses that fail here?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-519186465376046542010-08-23T08:17:57.620+01:002010-08-23T08:17:57.620+01:00All these references to Woolworths reminds me - w...All these references to Woolworths reminds me - whatever happened to all the assets of the local Woolworths businesses in Jersey and Guernsey?<br /><br />Did the Jersey taxpayer finally have to pay out for the former employees or was there enough local money in the pot? Whatever happened to other creditors in the Channel Islands - were they all paid out too?<br /><br />There were claims for many £millions in the Viscounts papers by GMAC Ltd - the UK branch of a spin-off from General Motors - and there were huge potential assets in property and trademark rights (Ladybird and the Woolworths name itself).<br /><br />How about creditors elsewhere - did they get a proper share in any assets hidden away in these finance centre islands? Are we confident that we have not been shafting our British brothers and sisters and are the hands of HM Viscout, Senator Maclean, Deloittes and the Officers of the Royal Court completely clean in this matter?<br /><br />Shall we ever know? <br />Are any of our 53 representatives on the case?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-81712151648289107982010-08-21T22:27:00.763+01:002010-08-21T22:27:00.763+01:00Did anybody notice how Dave Cameron has brought Si...Did anybody notice how Dave Cameron has brought Sir Philip Green into the UK coalition government as an "efficiency adviser"?<br />Perhaps he will close down all public toilets or introduce a user pays policy at Westminster.<br />Or maybe Sir Philip will be the special consultant on tax planning devices through havens like Monaco and Jersey?<br />Has Ozo been invited to serve too?<br /><br />Nearer home, there are other changes afoot in the BHS/Arcdia Empire with a policy of closing down small stores like Wallis, Topshop, Evans, Miss Selfridge and Burtons. These are being incorporated within BHS stores and some of the labels are already housed within the King Street, Jersey store.<br /><br />Elsewhere, ten BHS stores have been sold off to Primark and it is part of a worrying High Street trend. More BHS stores are likley to be off-loaded by Arcadia group. <br /><br />What does this say about any other remaining outlets in the Channel Islands? <br /><br />Certainly a trend that WEB aka the Jersey Development Company will view with apprehension. The prospects for any new developments on the Jersey Waterfront that include retailing elements must be looking very glum and the retailing gaps in King/Queen Streets must become ever wider.<br /><br />The Woolworths effect is only just reaching through to government levels....we should all take more notice when the toilets are removed.<br />What follows can be be very unpleasant.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-22279509948532096352010-08-20T23:06:12.645+01:002010-08-20T23:06:12.645+01:00Still no States Members showing any interest here ...Still no States Members showing any interest here - how odd!<br />We raised the emergency and safety matters with the Fire Prevention Dept (Minister Ian Le Marquand). Their officer said there was no responsibility for shops and we should contact Health and Safety at Social Security (Minister Ian Gorst).<br />The SS Officer said it was a matter for Fire Prevention - but we persisted. Eventually we persuaded an SS officer to visit B & Q. The result was that obstructions have now been removed from the stairs there.....but it was a battle and there was no enthusiasm to look at other premises or to show any concern over lack of toilets for staff or customers. Not required under the current regulations etc...And why didn't we speak directly with the relevant shops?<br /><br />So, perhaps the two Ians will now pray that there is no fire or that they don't need to use the toilets in any of Jersey's big stores.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-19592048701867663652010-08-15T22:03:03.741+01:002010-08-15T22:03:03.741+01:00This is excellent journalism. It goes to show that...This is excellent journalism. It goes to show that you don't need to be 'accredited' to be good and it shows them up for being lousy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-21718205865652716342010-08-06T22:32:03.334+01:002010-08-06T22:32:03.334+01:00We at the Voice are continuing to ask about BHS an...We at the Voice are continuing to ask about BHS and other stores.<br />Today we were told by BHS staff that there are no toilets for the public use and that those in the market should be used (tough titty on a Thursday afternoon!). On the other hand, Planning Office staff say that the toilets are available to BHS shoppers on request but that a further inpsection is to be undertaken today (Friday).<br />An assurance has also been given that the escape routes will be made clear and proper escape route signs put up at first floor.<br />Also, we have asked about appropriate codes that apply in such stores regarding the display of flammable fabrics and escape aisles. Enquiries will be made - so we are told - of the FIRE department.<br />Also we asked about the health implications of the surviving cafe at BHS or other shops and staff toilet facilities. We were invited to approach Public Health direct. We don't think we should have to, since there are 53 elected States mambers who should be doing all this and there are many public employees who have a professional reposnibility too.<br />Besides which, there are the specialist staff employed by the stores to look after such matters and all the shop staff who should be fighting for a proper deal for themselves and their customers.<br /><br />Must we all fight, just for ourselves all the time? Can't we fight for each other? Some hope!!!<br /><br />Thomas WellardAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-44920243136943548332010-08-03T22:25:52.037+01:002010-08-03T22:25:52.037+01:00Whenever I go into town to shop, I don't expec...Whenever I go into town to shop, I don't expect to find a toilet in a shop. There are public toilets in the market and in Conway Street. Most locals should be aware of this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-89774615499495170362010-08-03T22:17:19.606+01:002010-08-03T22:17:19.606+01:00IF THE RESTAURANT AT BHS IN KING STREET HAD TOILET...IF THE RESTAURANT AT BHS IN KING STREET HAD TOILETS, THOSE TOILETS WOULD HAVE BEEN FOR THE USE OF THE RESTAURANT PATRONS. THERFORE, LEGALLY, THE ONLY REQUIREMENT IS A DISABLED TOILET, WHICH I BELIEVE THEY HAVE.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-30336828637195667342010-08-03T22:10:50.875+01:002010-08-03T22:10:50.875+01:00BHS in King Street do in fact have a disabled toil...BHS in King Street do in fact have a disabled toilet, but as there is no longer a restaurant, this is the only legal requirement.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-87903325287998127132010-07-31T20:49:54.936+01:002010-07-31T20:49:54.936+01:00On one (UK) BHS website a customer said that he fe...On one (UK) BHS website a customer said that he fell over some stock on the floor, broke his wrist and was off-work for 12 months.<br />Another commented re the BHS Oxford Street store. "Don't go upstairs its a complete maze and it took 15 minutes to find the exit."<br /><br />BHS sell some good things and at reasonable price but their turnover is huge. They can afford to provide toilets and to look after customers safety.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-49176550492423009992010-07-31T20:42:17.856+01:002010-07-31T20:42:17.856+01:00New Look have just been fined £400,000 plus £136,0...New Look have just been fined £400,000 plus £136,000 costs for the inadequate fire safety precautions at their Oxford Street, London store. This followed a major fire in 2007 so we must not kid ourselves that these places are safe.<br />A Woolworths store in Manchester was destroyed by fire in 1979 and 10 were killed. As a result all sorts of regulations were introduced about fire safety in large shops but have these ever been enacted in Jersey? Wonder if any of our sleepy States Members know?<br />The Tesco in Waterlooville, Hants was just destroyed by fire and that was the third fire in ten years there. Arson is always a problem and it can happen in Jersey too.<br />The Homebase DIY store at Maidstone, Kent was just torched and the damage is over £8 millions.<br />John Lewis in Southampton was badly damaged by fire in 2009 and ten people were taken to hospital. Bryant's Department store in St Ives (Cambs) was englufed in fire in April this year.<br />The Westgate House Department store was extensively damaged in 2009.<br />McIlroys Department store in Caernarfon(Wales) was destroyed in 1992.<br />BHS in Exeter town centre was badly damaged in a blaze and had to be evacuated in 2009.<br /><br />What safety measures are really in place for these large stores in Jersey? Can the emergency services reach them quickly? Can the buildings be evacuated?<br /><br />Cable ties on emergency doors should result in prosecution NOW. It's no use waiting for the fire to happen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-15154620168847797942010-07-31T20:12:34.583+01:002010-07-31T20:12:34.583+01:00Has anyone been to 1st floor in B&Q? BEWARE! H...Has anyone been to 1st floor in B&Q? BEWARE! Handrails are blocked by life size cardboard cutouts, because advertising is much more important than safety of customers using the stairs! Even starting at the bottom of the stairs the beginning of the handrail is hidden by important notices of what you can buy & where. What are the numpties thinking of? They may think again if someone falls & sues!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-72853360153017474032010-07-31T20:00:33.754+01:002010-07-31T20:00:33.754+01:00How about our fantastic "hypermarket" Gr...How about our fantastic "hypermarket" Grande Marche? They have reduced the toilets to ONE during refurbishment!!! There are always the portaloos in the car park I was told.Who wants to wait for the lift then use the builder's toilet? The powers that be at the Coop think that this is not important, obviously, they do not suffer from any bladder/bowel problems - just excessive flatulence! I have even seen staff using the solitary toilet.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-85748736959963698412010-07-31T16:28:21.315+01:002010-07-31T16:28:21.315+01:00Why do betting shops and pubs all provide toilets?...Why do betting shops and pubs all provide toilets?<br />In my local bookies there are never more than half a dozen customers on the premises but they have male and female and disabled toilets. Why is this if big stores like BHS that have hundreds of customers do not have to provide any facilities at all, even when they sell food?<br /><br />My local pub is also struggling for business but they have to provide proper toilet facilities for everybody and they have a baby changing unit too but I don't see many babies drinking there.<br /><br />Why do the big stores get away with this - is it the old old Jersey story of big money talks?<br /><br />I even heard of a farmers shed selling a few spuds and things in the country having to provide all the facilities - why so if BHS don't have to?<br /><br />What about the CO-OP? Anybody know if they have any facilities. My so called locale does not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6237459041733760570.post-65887395703792460572010-07-31T10:44:19.502+01:002010-07-31T10:44:19.502+01:00Funny that anon mentions Woolworths because New Lo...Funny that anon mentions Woolworths because New Look who took over their huge King Street premises do not provide any public toilets either. When asked, a staff member there said we used to send customers to BHS!<br />It is not only UK traders who are so money crazed either. Local store Voisins has no public toilets unless you count the feeble attempt at male and female provision with dangerous cottage style stairs up yet again from the first floor Cafe des Artistes. You would need to be a fit mountaineer to climb these and there is no provision for disability.<br /><br />Odd too that this cafe/restaurant is a recent innovation and must surely have been built under the current Building Regs which demand proper accessible toilets for all from any food catering establishment. Did somebody swing it for Gerald I wonder? Perhaps Ozo could have a word with his chum or maybe he already did when Minister at EDD.<br /><br />Any stores that do provide toilets, hide them away to the remotest corners and at an upper floor if possible. In other words to be the most difficult to find and get to.<br /><br />De Gruchy has a good provision for those that can locate them on the first floor.<br />M & S in King Street have toilets at first floor as far as possible away from their cafe and the lift. All three facilities kept as far apart as possible to provide the worst possible scenario.<br />There is a disabled persons toilet with a baby changing shelf but there is no sign on the door to indicate what it is. I thought it was a cupboard.<br /><br />Of course, a few months ago new boy Deputy "Headway" Green gained States support for the installation of adult changing facilities in the toilets of public buildings. That has now been incorporated into the Building Regs - but it is only a joke. Nobody will actually do it!!! Our elected States members are happy to vote for such facilities when they know full well that they will never be provided. It makes them feel good.<br /><br />When you are out and about experiencing the joys of retail therapy - ask about the toilet facilities. You never know when nature might call.....<br /><br />Thomas WellardAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com