Visitors to Richmond are desperate when it comes to spending a penny.

The Richmond Society has accused the Council of doing too little to ensure residents and visitors have access to toilets.

The organisation said the Community Toilet Scheme, where shops and others allow people to use their facilities, has effectively collapsed.

The system was shut down during the pandemic with the closure of pubs, cafes and others – and it has failed to recover. As a result, it is understood that just two businesses are supporting the initiative.

Temporary toilets were set up on Richmond Green, Richmond Riverside and Twickenham Green, during lockdown, however these have since been removed.

The Council has drawn up proposals for permanent public toilets, however the Society is concerned that these appear to have been repeatedly kicked into the long grass.

The Society has written to the Council to say: "For many years we have been advocating the need for permanent public toilet provision in the town.

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"When the Community Toilet Scheme was first introduced (c2005) there were still Council-run public toilets, albeit of a poor standard. These were closed in 2007/8, leaving the town entirely reliant on the CTS.

"At the time of the Rugby World Cup in 2015 resources were put into setting up the Spend a Penny website and encouraging businesses to join the scheme. Since then businesses in Richmond have withdrawn."

It added: "There were always inherent weaknesses in the CTS. Specifically businesses closing down or deciding to withdraw from the scheme inadequate and inaccurate signage people, particularly the more elderly, embarrassed about using facilities without making a purchase inadequate information on facilities available - e.g. disabled access, baby changing, etc.

"Coronavirus exposed the failure of relying on the CTS. When the first lockdown ended and people were able to enjoy meeting family and friends on the Green and Riverside there were no public toilets or hand-washing facilities because no businesses were open.

"This led to public urination and defecation close to residents' homes and even in their gardens."

The Society insisted there is an urgent need for new permanent facilities, saying: "Richmond is much more than a residential town. It has many large businesses and welcomes thousands of visitors who come to explore its heritage, open spaces and riverside. 

"As a matter of public health and hygiene, as well as implications for the increased incidence of anti-social behaviour, the Council should provide permanent public toilets. 

"Without this provision it is discriminating against people who have health conditions, menstruating and pregnant women and anyone who needs regular access to a toilet. 

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"The Society is not opposed to the CTS and it may be viable in small parades where the majority of shoppers are local. However in a busy tourist town like Richmond, the most popular urban centre in the Borough, it can never be a viable alternative to well-signed permanent public toilets, as events have proved."

Complaining about delays, the Society said: "It is two years since the Leader of the Council said officers would be reviewing public welfare facilities and local groups would be involved in discussions."

The issue is due to be discussed by the Council's Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee on March 28.

In the past, the Council has floated the idea of building a permanent public toilet block in the Richmond Green conservation area or at the flower stall in the centre of the town.

Other options include 'walk-in' public toilet pods either on the street – as seen at locations in central London – or placed inside an existing empty shop, or shop foyer.