I couldn't agree more with the observation that the Covid-19 lockdown has dramatically high-lighted the shameful lack of public toilets in the UK (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/27/britain-public-toilets-coronavirus-private-interests). Lots of people (the elderly, people with medical conditions, runners, parents with babies and children et cetera) need easy access to get around in towns and cities. However, central government's starving of council finances (and the fact that toilets are not a statutory requirement), means that they have disappeared or been closed in many places. Apps to find the nearest functional facility (preferably without charges) are all very well, but are only of real use if the locations are within easy walking distance (and don't get me started on provision for the mobility impaired!). The article points out that one reason why there has not thus far been a bigger outcry about this lack of provision, is that many cafes, pubs and shops have toilets. These have been used as a 'bargaining chip' to get customers in. The whole thing falls down when many of these commercial operations are closed to reduce Covid-19 transmission. I thought we all were supposed to be vigorously washing our hands on a regular basis? So, I would give all councils more cash and make maintained toilet provision a requirement. It's only civilised.
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