Public Inconvenience

In 2016 the BBC reported that some UK High Streets and public spaces no longer had any council-run public toilets.

This photograph is a record of a closed public lavatory in Melksham, Wiltshire. It is situated between a public recreation ground and shops, and is adjacent to a car park. A funfair sometimes sets up attractions in the part of this car park closest to the toilets.

There is no legal requirement for local authorities to provide public lavatories. Relentless pressure on council spending has resulted in many closures.

At the time of the report, at least 1,782 facilities had been closed across the UK during the previous decade. Ten areas, including Newcastle, Merthyr Tydfil in south Wales and Wandsworth in south London, had no council-run public toilets at all.

Public toilets have existed on UK High Streets for more than 150 years. They are vital for public health and decency. The absence of these amenities is felt especially hard by the elderly, people who drive for a living, and the homeless.