They are even more important to certain sections of our society, including older people, disabled people, women, families with young children and tourists.
The proposal to close toilets in central Salisbury is utter madness.
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While there is no duty to provide adequate conveniences and we can all appreciate the council’s need to make savings, the closure of these loos will have wide-ranging effects, including the importance of good-quality public toilets for tourists and other visitors, who make a crucial contribution to our local economy.
A lack of good provision will also negatively impact residents, as it results in street fouling.
The council may rely on the goodwill of shops and hospitality venues to cover ad hoc toilet provision. However, it would have been better if this had been done through consultation and partnership.
My main concern is ‘a place to go’ post 23.00 hours. When revellers exit our late-night economy venues, many realise the need to go, and as street pastors, we regularly direct customers to public conveniences. For 10 years, Salisbury was awarded the prestigious Purple Flag for a safe night out, but every year, the assessors suggested more public toilet provision was required.
Salisbury’s night-time economy has been decimated over the last few years; from Novichok to Covid, the cost of living crisis to now, NO toilets! This can only lead to urination (or worse) in our streets, which will not only affect our declining nighttime economy but also help daytime footfall or tourism.
Not what I call lavatory humour! Or much to laugh about!
Brian Percey
Salisbury Street Pastors
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