City inconvenience

Portobello councillor Callum Laidlaw demanded that the council open up public toilets for the "significant numbers of people socialising outdoors in parks and green spaces".

Phase 2 of the lockdown restrictions did not allow for parties on The Meadows or on Portobello Beach, but during the good weather that is just what happened.

Responding to the needs of residents in his own ward, Cllr Laidlaw asked why they could not be reopened with enhanced cleaning procedures in place. He also wanted the layout of public toilets at key pressure points, such as parks and beaches assessed, and social distancing measures introduced.

Cllr Laidlaw said: "It is a sensible response to look at other cities to see what has been done in other areas of the UK. This is something which I think is a pretty reasonable move. I am asking to get these toilets open again with certain measures in place."

There is a £50 on-the-spot fine which can be levied on anyone relieving themselves outdoors, and Cllr Laidlaw wanted the council to remind the public of this which Convener Adam McVey agreed would be a good idea.

Cllr McVey, said that it was just not possible to open any up of the coucnil owned public lavatories. He said: "I don't think we can progress opening of these toilets right now. That isn't a matter of opinion, that is a matter of the constraints on us because of the public health guidance, and because of our own capacity. I'm keen that we open these in heavily used areas. This will happen as quickly as it possibly can happen.”

The council will decide on this measure on 9 July. Meantime they are using social media to remind everyone that it is not acceptable to relieve themselves out of doors.