A wee problem

Our local city closed all the public loos - you have to look for a shop with a sign outside that says they are happy for you to use theirs. I am constantly puzzling about what it really is that I get for my council tax?!

I once got caught short whilst driving and dashed (on crutches!) into the local Asda. A member of staff asked if she could help and directed me to the loo - she then saw me dashing out (I was in a hurry) and I apologised for not buying any thing and she said that was just fine and offered to help me get my car out of the park.

I think we should all find out from our local councils where the loos are in town, and if not any then why not?They are always promoting tourism, but often do not provide any loos at all.I don't think we should have to scuttle round finding pubs and cafes, it's embarrassing.If you don't drink enough you can become dehydrated. I stupidly had this happen on holiday some years ago.Felt like I was about to die! I find eating before a journey the best thing.

Oh Treebee do be careful with restricting fluids. I have to admit I'm very careful about drinking when I'm travelling but it can cause serious problems.

Many toilets are closed because of misuse- a case of the minority spoiling things for the majority - but there are ways round it. I collaborated on a booklet on the subject with Herts constabulary - its free to download - which gives all sorts of suggestions about reducing vandalism and also how to raise funds to help with maintenance.

I was in Co. Mayo on holiday this week. I suddenly needed to go to the loo and dashed into Tesco. I asked if they had customer toilets. They didn't but the staff member took me to the staff toilets, where she had to enter a code on the door to let me in. I was a bit embarrassed, but grateful she took the trouble to find me a toilet! In the town (Ballina) I don't think there was a single public toilet. It's ok when I'm in my home town because I know exactly where the toilets are.

We have weak bladders in our family and have to go often. Also I'm claustrophobic so some loos I just won't use; super loos, train loos as described above, any with a lock that won't close easily.
So I restrict drinking when I go out, not ideal but better than desperately needing to pop.
On the other hand, we used to have a public loo at work but have had to close it permanently after vandalism, drug use, sex and attempted suicide. We spend a lot of time allowing people to use our staff toilet and standing outside it waiting for them to use it.

There is an App called Toilet Finder that will tell you where you're nearest loo is

Are any of you old enough to remember the awful smell of public loos that were in every high street, you could smell them long before you got anywhere near them.
At least that's gone.

Belated birthday greetings Dorset !!

Have just returned from a 3 day birthday [mine] trip to Paris - our 2nd and hopefully I'll go again, can't get enough of the place. It took me back to when I lived I Geneva - where restaurants were often judged by the state of their toilets. Same in Paris. So many of the loos were in the cellar, arrived at after a somewhat creepy walk through said cellar. Only to be met by a very smelly toilet and pissoir - seat missing and sometimes paper too. These were nice restaurants in nice areas of Paris by the way.
I've always needed to 'go' so I know where most of the toilets in town are. I do object to the fact that there are never enough for us ladies. When we go to our local theatre I do not have anything to drink, because unless you make a mad dash in the interval, the queue is half way down the hall. Or you have to creep into the theatre when the show has started again. I know it's easier for men but I still think they need to add more for women.

I have had a dreadful train experience. I forgot to lock the door and was mid wee with knickers and trousers round my ankles when someone pressed open and the big curved door slowly opened to reveal several passengers looking at me. I couldn't close it as the controls were the other side. I just had to finish, pull up my clothes and slink out feeling sick. I can't ever use one again and walk the whole length of the train to find the old style door loos.

I have a whiz freedom which is better than a shewee. I can easily use it out on a walk without wet clothes. In effect it turns you into a man for the purpose of weeping. They are available online, never seen them in a shop.

It's funny that we've all got our toilet stories but don't stand up [like the men you could say] and be counted! Until we ALL start shouting about toilets - not just whispering about them - nothing will change. So, what's stopping you?

Well ladies, it's good to know I'm not the only one who's upset about this state of affairs. Golden girl, what a star you are with all your campaigning. My dear husband reminded me about an MP called Besdie Braddock who said that ladies shouldn't have to spend a penny to spend a penny. I reckon we need a few more like her! Trouble is, it's the sort of problem that makes folks giggle and the young ones don't really understand what the fuss is about.

Oh yes Susie - I know about that!

I was on a train a couple of years back and put my coat in the sink when I went to the loo [train loos always being a bit short on space]. Of course, it was one of those taps that has a sensor on it and my coat was soaked. Had to walk back down the train dripping ...

I daren`t use to ones on trains!

I will never forget the time I thought I could save a € by nipping into one of those superloos in Berlin straight after DH. What I didn't realise was that they swooshed the floor out with water between users and that the door swings wide open and shut again before it is ready for the next customer. I am also very wary of the ones in trains and very careful to press the right buttons.

Its even worse when you suffer with crohns, colitis or other IBD - needing a wee pales onto insignificance !

Always wear an anorak for a country wee..it hides your bum!

Is anyone watching Pembrokeshire Lives on BBC2? There's a very odd bod with a cafe that round here would be closed down pronto. He's installing an outside eco loo - in other words a bucket and chuck it! He thinks we should be caring for our beautiful planet yet he lives in what looks like a rubbish tip.

Just a little show off here - I used a traditional japanese loo on the Bullet Train while it was going full speed and I did get even a tiny bit wet!!

I go into pubs and ask if they would mind my using the loo and then say thank you as I leave and have only been refused once. I thought there were plans afoot to encourage pubs etc to allow access for a reduction in Business rates. I always 'misdirect' if I try doing it behind a bush or something

Sorry Shysal you should have the credit.

Oh, Nellie that sounds decidedly dicey. I don't think I'd dare. I once needed the loo in Stirling after closing time. I found a public ladies toilet. It was like entering the Black Hole of Calcutta. One tiny window, hardly any natural light and no electric light. I was desperate so had to use it. It is funny trying to pee by feel. I've never been back to Stirlng so I've no idea if they've been improved.

Nelliemoser. If you have a zip fly, you don't need to drop the trousers. Otherwise you would have to pull the waist band down just at the front to enable inserion of the Shewee. The manufacturers recommend practicing in the shower first!. There is always an anxious moment before the stream appears! Being silicone it drains well, obviously it must point downwards! An extension tube is available for when you have on several layers and want to ensure clearance. The advantage as opposed to squatting is, as for men, one can stand behind or against a tree, for instance.
I well remember a moorland comfort stop on an HF holiday, seeing a row of bare female bottoms amidst the heather in full view of both sexes! I wouldn't be able to go in those circumstances!
Good luck if you are brave enough to give one a try!

I went into Portofino once. The loo by the landing pontoon was spotless with curtains and flowers.
Not in England!

The local council have recently announced the closure of the public loos in the local rec, by the playpark area. They have been vandalised once too many times. No money for good old park keepers etc any more. Some local people are trying to get a campaign going butpeople are worried it will mean an increase in their Council tax. Everybody want something for nothing these days!