The Bathroom Manufacturers Association has welcomed a letter from Ministers to local councils, calling for more public toilets to be opened. The trade body also warns that a lack of facilities could be a brake on the country’s economic recovery.
In their letter Simon Clarke MP, Minister for Local Government and Rebecca Pow MP, Minister for the Environment emphasis the need for access to public conveniences now more than ever. “Public hygiene is of the utmost importance, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, and enabling residents to access toilets safely is vital. Handwashing is an important activity to help prevent the spread of the virus.”
The Ministers also highlight the difficulties that a lack of facilities can cause. “Closed toilets may also impact disproportionately on certain groups who for health reasons rely on access to public toilets to be able to leave their homes. They can also make life difficult for young families and people who work outside.”
Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the BMA welcomed the intervention. “I’m pleased to see Mr Clarke and Ms Pow recognise that importance of public toilets as a vital part of our infrastructure. At the moment there is a shortage of public toilets and handwashing facilities, so it is time for Local and National Government to consider investing in provision. Any other course of action could prevent people from going back to town centres or leisure venues, creating a brake on the national recovery.”
The Ministers’ letter is here