Age Scotland hits out at council over public toilet closures

Scotland’s leading charity representing older people has hit out at Edinburgh City Council for its decision not to reopen public toilets that remain closed.

Last month, the council reopened seven of its conveniences – those in Portobello, the Meadows, Princes Street Gardens, Saughton Park, the Bruntsfield Links, Hawes Pier and Cramond.

However, the council says it cannot afford the £152,000 it would cost to reopen its remaining 14 facilities in a covid-secure manner.

Unless Scottish Government public health guidelines change, the council will wait until at least October before reopening public toilets in Bath Street, Cammo, Castle Terrace, Castlehill, Colinton, Hamilton Place, Hermitage of Braid, South Queensferry High Street, Hunter Square, The Mound, Nicolson Square, Winter Gardens, Taylor Gardens and the West End.

Age Scotland believes this move will be detrimental to the physical and mental health of many older people, who will now find it more difficult to leave the house after months in lockdown.

Sustained closures will also disproportionately affect some disabled people who rely on public conveniences when out and about.

Adam Stachura, Head of Policy at Age Scotland, said: “The continued closure of public toilets in Edinburgh will sadly make it much more difficult for older people, who have endured months of strict lockdown, to venture out and about and enjoy a decent quality of life.

“Clean, accessible public toilets are absolutely essential for many older people and those with disabilities.

“As shielding has eased, older people have been looking forward to visiting shops and seeing friends again but knowing that public toilets are not available may be a big factor in discouraging them from going out.

“Not only is that harmful to the physical and mental health of older people, but it will have a knock-on impact on the local economy. Businesses such as shops and cafes need customers back to recoup the losses they have suffered in the past few months.

“We understand the importance of ensuring these facilities fully comply with hygiene and physical distancing guidelines but we would urge the council to review the situation before October and be ready to reopen public toilets as soon as Scottish Government guidance changes.

“If there is no provision for public toilets, some older people will simply not leave home. This means less socialising, less shopping and a surge in loneliness and isolation.

“Reopening public toilets would go a long way to offer reassurance to older people and help them stay connected to their local community.”

Adam McVey, Council Leader, said: “As lockdown restrictions have eased considerably there are more and more people out enjoying our beautiful city and so last month we took the decision to reopen seven public toilets on July 13 July in ‘hot spot’ areas near busy parks and beaches following a city-wide review and committee approval.

“Where we have reopened toilets we’ve also extended opening hours where possible during good weather and when there has been a big demand.

“Following committee we’ll look to improve signage to encourage use of those facilities that are open and highlight where facilities haven’t yet reopened. We’ll keep everyone updated as soon as it is possible to reopen all of our toilets safely.

“Until then information on signage, our website and social media will help keep everyone up to date with health and safety measures we’re putting in place and which toilets are open when.”