Memorandum by Preston Older People's Forum
1. Everyone needs to use the toilet so it
is self evident why they are necessary. Children and older people
often need the facility more frequently and urgently.
2. Our feeling is that it should be a free
service, but it would be a good idea if businesses that did not
provide toilets made a contribution.
All businesses benefit from people in the town
or city spending their money.
3. Ideally toilets should be available at
night but we realise there are issues security and vandalism.
There should be adequate family toilets for parents with a child
of the opposite sex. The safety of children is vital. Toilets
tend to be tucked away meaning lifts, stairs and long walks. Can
be difficult for older people.
4. It is probably unrealistic to have all
public toilets staffed all the time but they should be inspected
frequently. From personal experience automated are not always
as good as one would expect.
5. The feeling amongst women is that men
are better catered for. They never seem to need to queue!
6. Innovative schemes to encourage businesses
to allow more usage of their toilets seems a good idea. Not sure
how it would work out in practise.
7. It is essential that any area wanting
to encourage tourism must have easily accessible, clean well maintained
toilets. Signposting is also very important.
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