Paid-for ‘superloos’ are surely the future

Providing public toilet facilities is a discretionary spend for local authorities, but surely it is preferable to the alternative of people disappearing behind bushes to relieve themselves.

Currently the thin end of the wedge is that superloos, such as at Whiting Bay, based on the trademarked French design called a Sanisette, are being removed. How long before their much older brick-built counterparts face a similar fate?

Superloos, which in most cities are a paid-for service, albeit much more than the traditional penny, can help raise income, are self-contained, self-cleaning and offer superb privacy. Compared to the older, often foul smelling and poorly maintained, alternatives, superloos have proved popular with both users and the authorities, but not in North Ayrshire.

We must not forget that it is an offence to urinate in public and, surely, not just removing but, as in the case of the Whiting Bay superloo, destroying the facility must be a retrograde step?

It has been suggested that business owners offer their facilities to passers-by, which is what happens in Lamlash. There is some incentive for café and restaurant owners as people caught short may feel guilty and subsequently buy a coffee or a drink.

For a shop or office to offer this service would be ludicrous.

Arran is an international tourist destination. It takes pride in its appearance – grass is cut, beautiful flowerbeds abound and there is stunning scenery.

Unlike many places, there are plenty of dog waste bins. Although public toilets might cost more than these bins, it is a small price to pay for cleanliness.

Public facilities with an attendant can be made to pay through a charge and are usually immaculate as the worker takes pride in the facility, enhancing an area’s reputation and providing much-needed employment.