A CAMPAIGN group has issued a rallying call for more public toilets in Coventry city centre and it wants more people to get involved in its quest.
It comes following a survey of local people by the ‘Need The Loo’ group to identify the improvements they felt were most needed.
As well as more public toilet provision, people also expressed the need for improved signage to direct people to where the current ones were.
On Monday the group started their own ‘guerilla signage’ efforts, placing ‘public toilet this way’ signs around the city centre.
One participant said: “We need more signposts, you just don’t know where the toilets are.”
The survey found that 55 per cent of people avoided using public toilets, except in emergencies and seven per cent never use them at all.
According to their previous survey conducted last year, 32 per cent of respondents reported limiting fluid intake to avoid the need to use a loo while in the city centre.
One said: “When going to the city centre I have to limit what I drink so I won’t need to go to the toilet as much.”
A majority of respondents, 79 per cent, said the central library had the best disability access as well as being the only Changing Places toilets in the centre, however, they were still unhappy with the facilities.
Another shared the experience of their friend feeling excluded from evening outings due to inaccessible toilet facilities.
“My friend can’t go to the city centre in the evening as the Changing Places toilet will be closed.
“He feels Coventry is saying he is not welcome.”
Despite some efforts by the council’s public health department, including the addition of an accessible map of toilet provision online, Need The Loo believes more concrete action is necessary, particularly concerning signage.
They are aiming at ensuring Coventry becomes a model of inclusivity and accessibility.
The group said some felt a ‘disability tax’ applied as many cannot afford to purchase food and drink at city centre eateries so they could use the toilet.
One person surveyed said: “I feel venues need support so they can understand more about the disabilities and illnesses that mean people need to use the toilet quickly and easily.”
Need The Loo said their findings showed city centre footfall was being impacted as people limited visits and only went to specific areas due to the lack of usable public toilets.
The group hopes to work with the organisations which manage the city centre and are responsible for public toilets to make change.
And it is urging anyone who wants to join them in its campaign to email Melissa at [email protected] for more on getting involved.
A Council Spokesperson said: “Coventry fairs well compared to lots of other towns and cities where there are little or no public toilets at all, including in places such as Woking and Hastings.
“There are a number of toilets in our city centre – in shopping centres, shops and restaurants, attractions and Council run toilets in the library. And with pressure on budgets its right that the provision of toilets is a joint effort.
“The Council toilets in the library are open every day during working hours and they have a member of staff on site to ensure cleansing and maintenance issues can be dealt with. We have also recently secured additional funding to provide additional accessible Changing Places and this includes one set to open in the new Shopmobility on 7 May.
“Once all of the shops are closed, restaurants, bars, cinemas and the theatre, places which attract visitors in the evening, all have their own toilets. And the new Changing Places facility at the railway station is open until the last train leaves in the evening.
“All of the new wayfinding maps that went in recently include the locations of the nearest toilets – so no one should struggle to locate where they are.
“There is also a growing understanding by the BID and businesses of why some people might need to use a toilet facility. The BID is actively trying to work with business partners to bring more awareness about these specific needs.”
WHAT do you think of Coventry city centre’s public toilet provision? Email [email protected] with your views.
