CRITICISM about the state of public conveniences in West Devon has angered the man whose company cleans them, writes Roger Malone.

In last week's Times Conservative spokesman for West Devon and Torridge, Ian Liddell-Grainger complained about their 'unacceptable state'.

Now Phil Squires, proprietor of Squires Cleaning Service, has challenged Mr Liddell-Grainger to spend time out with his staff to

experience the problems first-hand.

In a letter to the editor — published in last week's edition — the Conservative spokesman said the public should expect 'a decent level of cleanliness' and asked that standards be maintained at all times.

However, Mr Squires defended the work of his cleaners. 'They take pride in their work and leave each toilet in a very clean condition. They cannot be responsible for what happens after they have left the toilet they have just cleaned,' he said.

In between the visits by the cleaners Mr Squires said toilets in busy locations have many people using the facility — with some misusing and others even vandalising them.

'West Devon Borough Council carry out their own strict monitoring of the toilets on a regular basis. As we are both working to achieve a high standard, letters like Mr Liddell-Grainger's do not do anything but knock the cleaners' ability.

'For each toilet to be 100 per cent clean all day we would have to have attendance cleaners on each toilet or a more frequent cleaning schedule,' said Mr Squires.

'This would eliminate the misuse of the toilets. I am sure West Devon would be in favour but it is down to finance.'

He said both the council and his firm were trying to reduce the misuse and keep the vandals at bay.

'But this is a very hard task as society has changed over the years and not for the better.'

He hoped a visit with his staff may help Mr Liddell-Grainger appreciate what is involved and not be 'tunnel-blind' as to how toilets are treated by the minority of the public.

Mr Liddell-Grainger this week said he would gladly take up the challenge.

'I would be delighted to go out with Mr Squires to look at the problems and join him and his team,' he said.

Mr Liddell-Grainger added that he would like to report back to the Times about the experience, and also pass the information to the relevant councils.

'I think Mr Squires is doing a very important job in appalling circumstances. There are some pretty nasty people about who misuse and cause such unnecessary damage to public toilets,' he said.