With a third of all toilets provided by Metropolitan Borough Councils and nearly a quarter provided by English District Councils closed over the last three years, toilet users are increasingly having to fend for themselves when away from home.

“Our public toilet provision and culture is currently at a very low level”, says Richard Chisnell, Director of the newly established British Toilet Association - campaigning for a halt in closure and improvement in quality of provision.

“With no statutory requirement to provide public toilets and with vandalism and other forms of social misuse in public toilets at an all time high, it is little wonder Local Authorities - traditionally the main providers of ‘away from home’ toilets - close them down to remove the social problems and save money”, claims Chisnell.

“We need a fresh start for the 21 century and a legislative framework covering all types of ‘away from home’ toilets - including educational establishments. This framework should not simply cover specification and layout but standards of maintenance and cleanliness - so often neglected in unattended toilets”.

The Association is holding a briefing at Westminster on Wednesday 1 March - (4.00 pm - Jubilee Room), to put its message across to MP’s and Peers and seek support for legislation.

For further information contact: