Accessibility Requirements

Q: Our village is in a conservation area with limited space for our public toilets. How far should we go to comply with the Equality Act when a resident is campaigning for accessible facilities?

A: In theory, you should move toward providing accessible facilities. Accessibility usually means a much bigger space - you need to be able to turn a wheelchair around in it, and it needs a wider door. It's quite an involved process.

There is a requirement for you to deliver that DDA accessible loo. For that one improvement, it would probably cost around £50,000 depending on what needs to be done. You'll need to go through the tendering process, but it's very possible and a necessity. 

Security Issues

Q: We have a toilet block in a less busy area that's become a magnet for drug dealing and vandalism. Without internet connection, what security measures can we implement?

A: There are several things you can do to improve security:

1. A product called "Mosquito" - it emits a very high-pitched noise that younger people can hear but older people typically can't.
2. Playing Barry Manilow music in the facility - this can actually discourage people from hanging around.
3. Wi-Fi doorbells with cameras - you might consider investing in internet connectivity, which is relatively easy with solutions like an EE box.
4. Even if you don't have actual CCTV, putting up notices saying "CCTV in operation" can help deter problems.

People will take their activities elsewhere if your facility is too difficult to use for their purposes - it's just a question of where you want them to go.

Planning New Facilities

Q: As part of a local redevelopment, we're getting a new self-contained automatic toilet that will operate 24/7. What should we be concerned about with this type of facility?

A: Be aware that self-cleaning units use a lot of water and are technically difficult to keep running. It's concerning if a developer is sourcing the toilet, as they'll likely choose the least expensive option rather than the most reliable. If the deal isn't finalised, you should ask to have multiple manufacturers present options.

A standalone unit in good condition should cost under £200,000 - probably around £115,000-£150,000. Self-cleaning units have maintenance challenges - people can tamper with the cleaning cycle, and weight plates (used to prevent multiple people entering) can be circumvented.

Make sure the facility works with a RADAR key for accessibility, as weight limits could be discriminatory for larger people. 

Automatic Systems

Q: We currently pay someone to open and close our toilets, which is expensive. Are there automatic systems available that don't require payment from users, and how do you prevent people getting locked inside?

A: Yes, there are simple magnetic lock systems that can open and close automatically on a timer. They cost about £1,000 per door and include a disengage button inside so people can exit even when the facility is "closed." Sometimes the handle itself works as the disengage.

Your best approach would be to clean the facility last thing at night, ensure no one is sleeping inside, then have it open automatically in the morning. This way it opens clean each day. You could install just the automatic opening feature rather than automatic closing if you're concerned about people getting locked in.

These systems are relatively easy to install and not hugely expensive. Many companies can provide this service, including Danfo, Healthmatic, or even a local electrician.

Facility Replacement

Q: We have an old toilet facility with the plumbing and electricity in place. Can we buy an off-the-shelf replacement unit?

A: Yes, these facilities are typically built off-site and then delivered and installed. Companies like Danfo have factories where they produce, clad, and prepare these units for delivery. The base needs to be prepared so that sewage, water, and electricity connections are ready.

For a standard size facility, I'd recommend three directly accessible cubicles, one of which is DDA-compliant. Rather than separating men's and women's facilities with urinals, using unisex cubicles avoids gender identity issues. The price would be around £150,000-£200,000 depending on installation complexity.

Costs and Suppliers

Q: What running costs should we expect when taking over a public toilet facility?

A: You won't get much change out of £25,000 a year for everything all-in. Cleaning will run at about £15,000 of that. This is a ballpark figure and depends on how busy the facility is.

Q: What if the toilet stands on land not owned by the Council?

A: Through adverse possession, this can be addressed if the toilet has been publicly operated for longer than 10 years. The council's legal department should be able to make a case to whoever the registered holder is that it's been theirs all this time, unless there's a lease agreement somewhere.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Q: How can we find someone to clean public toilets when contract cleaning companies won't take on small hours?

A: Speak to neighboring parish and town councils who might share a cleaner. You could also find somebody locally - perhaps someone already cleaning houses who could add this to their round. Another option is finding someone on benefits who could work up to 16 hours per week without affecting their Universal Credit.

Consider posting notices in local shops, co-ops, and pubs. If there's a pub in the village that uses an outside cleaner, that person is already nearby. The most expensive part of cleaning is travel time between locations, so finding someone who's already working locally is ideal.

Q: Are there specific requirements for cleaning equipment or PPE when hiring individuals rather than companies?

A: You can find advice on the British Toilet Association website. You can't use bleach because some people react badly to it, and you should follow ISO procedures if you have them. But any cleaning professional can advise on appropriate products.

Always try to have a storage area in your facility - you don't want staff carrying supplies back and forth, especially if they're walking or cycling.

Q: How can we secure facilities overnight without constant staffing?

A: Locking the toilet is important, ideally with the approach I suggested earlier: clean it, lock it, and have it open automatically in the morning. This isn't hugely expensive and will save you a lot in the long run.

Water Safety

Q: Do we need to regularly test for Legionella in our toilet water?

A: If you have a holding boiler that's keeping water below 55 degrees, then yes. But with a Wallgate hand washing system where the water comes in cold with no holding tank, there's no Legionella requirement. If your water tank is for cold water, not warm water, you're fine.

If you do need testing, it only needs to be done once a year. Any professional can tell you whether you need it based on your specific equipment.