Kingston Council is developing a new Public Toilet Access Strategy to provide a framework for the effective and coordinated provision of public toilets across the borough.

The council recognises the importance of clean, well maintained and accessible toilets.

The new strategy will be developed in partnership with residents, businesses and organisations across the borough and will ensure both residents and visitors have a better awareness of how to access public toilet facilities.

A public toilet is any toilet facility that is available for use by the general public (eg. not just paying customers if located within a shop or restaurant).

The new strategy will explore any gaps in provision to ensure clean toilets are available in the most appropriate locations for all groups of people and to make it easier for people to locate the closest toilet.

The council's proposal to permanently close toilet facilities at four car park sites (Bittoms, Rose, Cattle Market and Blagdon Road) was provisionally approved at Council Committee yesterday.

It currently costs approx £40,000 a year to manage and maintain these facilities.

The council run toilets at Queens Promenade, Athelstan Rec, Latchmere Rec, Alexandra Rec, Manor Park and Beverley Park will remain open.

The council will carry out a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the current community need and access, and will set guidelines for the future design of toilets for public use across the borough, to ensure adequate provision for all.

The council want to hear from all communities across Kingston, including businesses, those working and studying here, as well as visitors to the borough, to ensure we understand your needs and that our strategy effectively addresses the issues raised and provides appropriate solutions.

Have your say HERE