Claudette's Concerns: Public toilets - A matter of urgency

Not only is this a threat to health and mobility it is also a threat to equality. With the decline in public toilet provision, it encourages people to stay indoors especially if they have conditions such as diabetes, bladder or bowel problems. Also, if they are disabled. Dwindling public toilets in recent years is a threat to health, it falls disproportionately on already disadvantaged groups. Also, I think vandalism and security issues is a participating factor.

Local councils are responsible for their own funding and how they manage it.

So, what is the problem?

· There is no statutory requirement for councils to provide public toilet facilities.

· Toilets are closed in the belief that they save money and are considered an additional

· expense.

· Maintaining the toilets cost money.

· The benefits of toilets are rarely considered, and the number of public toilets is reducing rapidly.

· People are embarrassed to discuss the issue and talk openly about their needs.

What difficulties arise because of lack of toilets?

People who work as postman/postwoman are finding it difficult to find a toilet. Some people work shifts such as taxi drivers and lorry drivers… also coping with your period, expecting a baby, on medication, or having a disability, being homeless, all reasons that make it difficult.

Also, public transport employees, with conditions that leave them needing the loo more often, are leaving employment due to the decline in public toilets. In some cases, this is an equality issue.

The lack of public toilets affects our life because:

· It reduces opportunities for physical activity.

· It reduces independence.

· It can result in urinary tract infections and its associated costs of medication and products.

· It can lead to embarrassing undignified incidents.

· It encourages urban-rural fouling which affects the environment.

· Money which could be spent on maintaining toilets is spent on cleaning up waste

The lack of toilets affects our health because:

· Many of us reduce our fluid intake to avoid needing a toilet This can lead to dehydration.

· Some of us reduce our medication to stop using the loo and serious effects can result.

· Children are told to hold on, which can affect and harm the developing of bowel and bladder.

· Many people cannot take part in exercise without a toilet nearby.

· For some holding on can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

· Those of us with long term conditions can risk infection by having to cope with unhygienic surroundings.

· Women 52% of the population must deal with periods in unhygienic surroundings.

· Needing the toilet reduces the concentration of road users, a serious safety issue not only for those driving but for other road users.

In some areas, there is a community toilet scheme

What is a community toilet scheme?

A community toilet scheme allows members of the public, to use the toilets facilities, in a range of approved local business or other organizations during their opening hours. It is designed to increase/enhance the council's current toilet provision.

Why should we have a community toilet scheme?

A community toilet scheme extends the public toilet availability within an area and contributes towards the health and social inclusion of residents and visitors. It also supports local businesses, economically, by making the towns and villages more accessible and allows visitors to increase their length of stay.

Does the public pay for this service?

The service is free for the public to use there is no obligation to make a purchase, at participating businesses.

Are the toilets clean and well maintained?

Businesses and organizations participating in the scheme agree to keep the toilets clean, well maintained and safe and accessible.

Are businesses organizations paid for this service?

There is generally an annual payment made to participants in return for allowing the public to use their facilities. The amount is variable across different schemes payment of public liability insurance should be agreed.

What kind of businesses is likely to participate in the scheme?

Pubs, restaurants, cafes, community centers, shops supermarkets, council offices, libraries and museums, transport hubs and hotels.

Who ensures that there is a range of facilities available and the standards of the facilities on offer?

The council. The council should have a monitoring procedure in place to ensure the facilities in the scheme are and continue to be suitable. The businesses involved should make an agreement with the council to keep the facilities well maintained. Spot checks should be carried out periodically, councils should make it clear that businesses can refuse permission.

Each council has its own link regarding where toilets are including whether they have a community toilet scheme. For more information visit http://www.toiletmap.org.uk

There is also a campaign on Facebook Visit www.facebook.com/PTUKcampaign

There you can like, visit, comment or share.