The launch of the competition comes amid serious concerns that Britain's public toilets are fast becoming an endangered species. "Despite the many award-winning facilities around the country, it's clear to see that our public loos are in crisis," said awards director Richard Chisnell. "The last three years have seen the closure of a third of all toilets provided by Metropolitan Borough councils and nearly a quarter provided by English District Councils."

Last year the loos run by the National Trust at the Gibside Estate in Tyne and Wear were judged to be the best in Britain. Other major winners were: in England, Wychavon District Council; in Wales, Cenarth Fall Holiday park, and the City & County of Swansea and in Scotland, the Bon Accord Shopping Centre, and East Lothian Council. All 1999 winners can be found on the competition web-site, www.loo.co.uk

All types of public toilet can be entered in the competition, in any of eighteen categories; a new category for beach toilets has been added to this year's competition. In addition, a number of special area and national awards are available, for the best disabled and baby change facilities and the best local authorities. Awards are also presented to the best teams of attendants.

Cannon Hygiene, the Loo of the Year Awards major sponsor, are an OCS Group Company and provide a fully co-ordinated range of products and services for the washroom. Further support is provided by the British Toilet Association together with the Tourist Boards in Scotland and Wales and the English Tourism Council.

The launch of the awards coincides with the annual British Toilet Association Conference & Exhibition, being held at the Moat House Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon on 22 and 23 May.

Information and entry details about the awards can be found on the competition's website - www.loo.co.uk - and loos can also be nominated via the 24 hour Loo Hotline, on 01962 850277, by fax on 01962 870220, by email to loyawards@aol.com or by post to Loo of the Year Awards, PO Box 17, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9WL. Information will also be available at Tourist Information Centres.

Nominations for the 2000 Cannon Hygiene Loo of the Year Award close on July 31 with the results announced in November.

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