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Posted: 28 April 2012 8:31 PM Subject: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 3976 Location: Bury Lancashire
I have just dashed off a letter to the Times regarding the lack of public toilets, people like me who have the old waterworks problems are in dire need, what do we pay our community charges for?
It was great when I had a catheter inserted last year I could have a pee anytime, what comfort and relief it was, now I have to run around like a scalded cock trying to find somewhere to empty my waste tank.
Posted: 28 April 2012 9:09 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Location: Nottinghamshire
knight of the road - 2012-04-28 8:31 PMI have just dashed off a letter to the Times regarding the lack of public toilets, people like me who have the old waterworks problems are in dire need, what do we pay our community charges for?It was great when I had a catheter inserted last year I could have a pee anytime, what comfort and relief it was, now I have to run around like a scalded cock trying to find somewhere to empty my waste tank.
Posted: 28 April 2012 10:35 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 1510 Location: Pissindoon, Scotland.
I thought my opinion of Cornwall Council Cheif Executive with their £500k pay package could not get any lower, but a couple of weeks ago it did. I was at the Headland at Newquay at about 4pm in the afternoon. I watched a car pull up, and a man help a disabled woman with great difficulty out of the car to the door of the public toilet. When they got there they discovered it was closed for the season as a cost cutting measure.
-----
Sometimes I have had no alternative but to find a secluded place on the street to have a pee. The best I can do is 'water' the plants or find a drain where it won't leave a mess.
Posted: 28 April 2012 11:14 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 651 Location: 24800 France, Hymermobile B594,1993 2.5td
I always thought that travelling by MH avoided that problem? But I will admit that upon return to ours I miss regret not having the second loo as at home because she fails to give way stating ladies first. I think she is taking the p.............
Posted: 29 April 2012 9:47 AM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 3976 Location: Bury Lancashire
When most people go out in their vans they plot their route and work out the places of interest, I, on the other hand plot out where the loo's are.
Due to my condition when the urge to pee comes on I HAVE TO GO or I will pee my pants, yesterday we went to Fleetwood and both public loo's were closed so I had to dash to the market to use theirs, behind the door was an information notice regarding what people should do if they find they have urinary problems, I went to a market stall and bought a felt tip pen and wrote in bold letters it would be a big help if Fleetwood town councillors re-opened the bloody toilets again.
Later in the year I wanted to visit Fleetwoods famous tram sunday, but how can I? the event is on a sunday and the market will be closed so no toilets, so Fleetwood traders will lose what ever money I would have spent.
Posted: 29 April 2012 9:50 AM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 3976 Location: Bury Lancashire
Retread24800 - 2012-04-28 11:14 PM
I always thought that travelling by MH avoided that problem? But I will admit that upon return to ours I miss regret not having the second loo as at home because she fails to give way stating ladies first. I think she is taking the p.............
Some time ago I converted a disused coal store next to our back porch into a second loo, my mother in law says that has got to be the best thing I have ever done, its a boon.
Tracker
Posted: 29 April 2012 10:48 AM Subject: RE: Public toilets
knight of the road - 2012-04-29 9:47 AM
When most people go out in their vans they plot their route and work out the places of interest,
Really? I wonder how many do that?
We leave home with a few researched places that we would like to see and other that we just meander where we feel like meandering between them picking up info from TICs whenever the opportunity arises.
I suppose it depends what you like? If you are into tourist hotspots and seeing the things that are designed for tourists to see you may well be right but if you prefer the hidden gems of small towns, rivers, mountains and coast that are not generally known as touristy places - perhaps not?
I just my car had a loo as non van touring and days out is becoming more difficult!
However I do sympathise with local councils as vandalism and inappropriate behaviour is a real issue in some places.
We now tend to visit more garden centres and cafes than ever before - but the problem is that all those cuppas don't ease the overall problem!
Posted: 29 April 2012 1:01 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Just avoid those all singing all dancing smartar*e automatic toilets where a young ladies voice welcomes you in,and advises you that the door is about to close.
I got trapped in one - all the lights went out and there wasn't any daylight, or emergency lighting so the place was totally black !
I felt my way along the wall until I found the door and just about managed to force it open just wide enough to squeeze my way out ( like opening the door of a lift ).
AND it cost me 20p !!!
How a little old lady would have coped I hate to think.
I'm confused at the OPs post, surely the one huge advantage of a M/home is your very own loo in your van.
Our local councils like many others are closing them one after the other. One that was previously available in a particularly scenic, but remote area has also closed, what is so disheartening is the resultant disgusting things that people have resorted to there. If only these idiots on these councils had half a brain many public toilets could be self financing, who would object to a reasonable charge to access a clean facility, and give someone a job into the process. Our council are an absolute joke, they have spent £100,000 on a "consultation" for a cycle path, yet the main toilets in our village which is in one of Wales premier resorts has been scheduled for closure.
As for the OP's comment " what do we pay our community charges for"
You pay them for these numpties to get their generous public sector gold plated pensions, and council leaders £250.000 pa salaries.
Posted: 29 April 2012 2:30 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 3976 Location: Bury Lancashire
1footinthegrave - 2012-04-29 2:06 PM
I'm confused at the OPs post, surely the one huge advantage of a M/home is your very own loo in your van.
Our local councils like many others are closing them one after the other. One that was previously available in a particularly scenic, but remote area has also closed, what is so disheartening is the resultant disgusting things that people have resorted to there. If only these idiots on these councils had half a brain many public toilets could be self financing, who would object to a reasonable charge to access a clean facility, and give someone a job into the process. Our council are an absolute joke, they have spent £100,000 on a "consultation" for a cycle path, yet the main toilets in our village which is in one of Wales premier resorts has been scheduled for closure.
As for the OP's comment " what do we pay our community charges for"
You pay them for these numpties to get their generous public sector gold plated pensions, and council leaders £250.000 pa salaries.
How does my OP confuse you? does everyone have a campervan or motorhome toilet facility when in a small town, village or city I am talking about people in general needing to have a pee or whatever.
How many people visit Fleetwood on a daily basis, hundreds or what? and no where to have a damned pee, its a national disgrace.
Posted: 29 April 2012 2:58 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 1090 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Iagree with the 'general flow' of this thread. Seriously, I also 'plan' trips with 'pit stops' in mind, fine when you know the area, not so good when you are new to the location. We use the main department stores of course and when abroad can use the facilities in cafes, but after buying a coffee, it may seem a bit OTT.
Of course cost cutting measures are not the only reason for the loss of these public facitlities.Use of them by members of the public for activities which I believe relate to the canine world have not made them feel safe for more convential people and of course the loss of the 'attendant' was the issue that 'pulled the plug' so to speak. Also, the inflationary pressures made the requirement to have a 'penny' rise to some staggering levels, 50p sometimes being the sum extracted from those in need.
But then again the pension rights of an underworked CEO of a Cooncil is far more important than actually any public service.
By the way OP, how did you sign the letter to the Times. 'Desperate of Tunbridge Wells' perhaps
Edited by Dave225 2012-04-29 2:59 PM
Tracker
Posted: 29 April 2012 3:43 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Dave225 - 2012-04-29 2:58 PM
Also, the inflationary pressures made the requirement to have a 'penny' rise to some staggering levels, 50p sometimes being the sum extracted from those in need.
By the way OP, how did you sign the letter to the Times. 'Desperate of Tunbridge Wells' perhaps
Many of us would happily pay 50p or more for a clean, warm, dry and pleasant place to have a well earned pee or a 'sit and think' - still cheaper than a coffee in a scruffy Tesco cafe!
I'm confused at the OPs post, surely the one huge advantage of a M/home is your very own loo in your van.
Our local councils like many others are closing them one after the other. One that was previously available in a particularly scenic, but remote area has also closed, what is so disheartening is the resultant disgusting things that people have resorted to there. If only these idiots on these councils had half a brain many public toilets could be self financing, who would object to a reasonable charge to access a clean facility, and give someone a job into the process. Our council are an absolute joke, they have spent £100,000 on a "consultation" for a cycle path, yet the main toilets in our village which is in one of Wales premier resorts has been scheduled for closure.
As for the OP's comment " what do we pay our community charges for"
You pay them for these numpties to get their generous public sector gold plated pensions, and council leaders £250.000 pa salaries.
How does my OP confuse you? does everyone have a campervan or motorhome toilet facility when in a small town, village or city I am talking about people in general needing to have a pee or whatever.
How many people visit Fleetwood on a daily basis, hundreds or what? and no where to have a damned pee, its a national disgrace.
Of course it is, and I'm with you 100%, but perhaps you did not read my full post in which I included the following
Our council are an absolute joke, they have spent £100,000 on a "consultation" for a cycle path, yet the main toilets in our village which is in one of Wales premier resorts has been scheduled for closure
This despite all of us lobbying both the council, and the local community council members,and the presentation of a petition it all fell of deaf ears. I'm happy to say the toilets have only been saved from closure this year by privately raised funds
With respect I'm afraid unless we ALL have a seed change of mind about who we vote in ( and none of the main parties, and certainly not Plaid Cymru that we are stuck with here, as their answer is to ask local businesses to open their loos to the general public) nothing will change.
Posted: 29 April 2012 6:03 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 3976 Location: Bury Lancashire
In todays Mail on Sunday supplement there is the easylife advertising catalogue and advertised in it is what they call a portable loo for male and female use priced up at £9.99.
It says it is ideal for the elderly, bedridden, campers, boaters and travellers, might check that out?
Don't see what your problem is Malc , simply carry the Thetford Cassette in a back pack whenever out shopping , sorted .
I'm sure your comment is made in jest, but all of these councils rely on us all just rolling over and giving up. IMO we should all be letting our feelings known not only about toilets, but the ever increasing height barrier epidemic that all councils must have bought a job lot of, how much has that cost, money that could have been used for public loo's, it's called getting your priorities right
Posted: 29 April 2012 7:45 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Location: Nottinghamshire
My mate sent for a portable, use anywhere anytime loo it was the funniest thing i have ever seen. there was a rubber underpant affair with a long sheath type rubber tube who's diameter grew from its end up to the top so a lets say less well endowed male would shove his manhood in the smallest diameter bit of the said sheath, however for the bigger girth you had to cut a bit off the sheath to provide a snug fit!. Next after attaching the sheath to your member you had to run a rubber pipe down your leg and attach it to other end of the sheath, then strap a bag (which resembled a medical hot water bottle with straps) to your lower leg and attach the tube to that. I imagine that this looked a pretty picture although i never saw it in use! You were then at liberty to pee anywhere anytime the trouble was the smallest end of the manhood attachment was too big at its smallest so he never used it i think there was a funnel type attachment for the ladies. the wonders of science.
Edit... And i forgot when it arrived in its plain packaging the wrapping had split leading to the sheath attachment hanging out, the postman never knocked just left it on his step.
Posted: 29 April 2012 10:42 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 1256
Some time ago I had a had a infection that gave me an extreme case of the need to pee syndrome. My doctor gave me some pills which cleared it up a treat and asked me to let him know how they worked. Rather than take up his time with another appointment I sent him a poem. Being me I got a bit over enthusiastic as usual and it ran to several verses.
All I can remember now is that it started off
Dear Doctor XXXXX
You pills have done the trick for me,
I now no longer what to pee.
What heavenly bliss oh how devine,
I now control my own urine.
The bugger has a well developed sense of humour and he knows I have so he removed my name and
pinned it up in the waiting room. Some how it seems every one got to know who wrote it and I never heard the last of it for weeks where ever I went!
I suppose in these days of political correctness no doctor would risk doing anything like that moors the pity.
Posted: 30 April 2012 10:44 AM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 748 Location: Cheshire
1footinthegrave - 2012-04-29 5:11 PM With respect I'm afraid unless we ALL have a seed change of mind about who we vote in ( and none of the main parties, and certainly not Plaid Cymru that we are stuck with here, as their answer is to ask local businesses to open their loos to the general public) nothing will change.
Perhaps you can explain how your system will work? You appear to be suggesting that no one who is a member of a current political party should be allowed to stand for parliament, or even for local councils.
So let's assume that this is the case. This means that only independents will be allowed to stand. Will there be a system of choosing a short list or will we have to suffer twenty three candidates who think that they best represent the views of those on the right, and another couple of dozen who may appeal to the left and so on?
So, if you accept that the list will have to be reduced to sensible levels, who will decide who are the best people to remain on the list? Who will interview them to ascertain their seriousness, whether they are reasonably intelligent and whether or not they are standing for the best reasons and not just because they think that the money's good and the expenses are even better?
However many people there are on the list of candidates, how will they be able to get their message across to the voters? Will they have to fund all their advertising and publishing costs themselves, or will the government/council be forced by law to provide funds for each candidate?
I'm sure you'll agree that it would be unfair for rich candidates to be able to print leaflets, pay for newspaper and TV advertising and a full election team to support them, whilst poorer candidates simply wouldn't be able to compete for the hearts and minds of the electorate?
So come on, you are very vociferous in your condemnation of the 'political classes' as you call them, but I'm sure that we would all like to know the system that you would put in its place. I'm equally sure that, before coming out with some of your statements, that you must have given some thought to how you would replace the system that you appear to despise. A system, by the way, the has been adopted by every free country in the world but which you think is the wrong one.
Posted: 30 April 2012 12:52 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 748 Location: Cheshire
antony1969 - 2012-04-30 11:55 AMI would of thought the subject of public toilets would suit all the main political parties seen as they all talk crap most of the time
Posted: 30 April 2012 12:57 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 7322 Location: Nr Alford, Lincolnshire 1990 Ford Travelhome.
francisgraham - 2012-04-30 12:52 PM
antony1969 - 2012-04-30 11:55 AMI would of thought the subject of public toilets would suit all the main political parties seen as they all talk crap most of the time
1footinthegrave - 2012-04-29 5:11 PM With respect I'm afraid unless we ALL have a seed change of mind about who we vote in ( and none of the main parties, and certainly not Plaid Cymru that we are stuck with here, as their answer is to ask local businesses to open their loos to the general public) nothing will change.
Perhaps you can explain how your system will work? You appear to be suggesting that no one who is a member of a current political party should be allowed to stand for parliament, or even for local councils.
So let's assume that this is the case. This means that only independents will be allowed to stand. Will there be a system of choosing a short list or will we have to suffer twenty three candidates who think that they best represent the views of those on the right, and another couple of dozen who may appeal to the left and so on?
So, if you accept that the list will have to be reduced to sensible levels, who will decide who are the best people to remain on the list? Who will interview them to ascertain their seriousness, whether they are reasonably intelligent and whether or not they are standing for the best reasons and not just because they think that the money's good and the expenses are even better?
However many people there are on the list of candidates, how will they be able to get their message across to the voters? Will they have to fund all their advertising and publishing costs themselves, or will the government/council be forced by law to provide funds for each candidate?
I'm sure you'll agree that it would be unfair for rich candidates to be able to print leaflets, pay for newspaper and TV advertising and a full election team to support them, whilst poorer candidates simply wouldn't be able to compete for the hearts and minds of the electorate?
So come on, you are very vociferous in your condemnation of the 'political classes' as you call them, but I'm sure that we would all like to know the system that you would put in its place. I'm equally sure that, before coming out with some of your statements, that you must have given some thought to how you would replace the system that you appear to despise. A system, by the way, the has been adopted by every free country in the world but which you think is the wrong one.
I merely suggested maybe after the constant see saw of the main political parties we have had for donkeys years, it was maybe time to give smaller parties a go.
Posted: 30 April 2012 2:31 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 748 Location: Cheshire
1footinthegrave - 2012-04-30 1:45 PM I merely suggested maybe after the constant see saw of the main political parties we have had for donkeys years, it was maybe time to give smaller parties a go.
I see, so you don't mind political parties, as long as they're not larger than a certain size. How small would they have to be to qualify for your system?
You've already said that you wouldn't have Plaid Cymru, so what does that leave? BNP, UKIP, Monster Raving Loony Party?
I really am genuinely interested in how you would elect our MPs and councillors if you ban the three main parties.
Oops, forgot George Galloway's Respect Party, there's another one!
But of course, if the three main parties weren't allowed to field candidates and, let's say, UKIP won the majority of seats, wouldn't they then qualify as a large party? If that happened would they be banned from any future elections?
I would have thought though that the 'see-saw' of different parties is something to be welcomed. Do you actually object to the fact, every few years, we vote out a party with which we are unhappy, and vote in a different one?
The only way to avoid the 'see-saw' is to have just one party and let it govern forever, a bit like Cuba and North Korea. Perhaps that's your answer then?
Sorry replying to that" full of the milk of human kindness", FG.
What a gold plated nasty individual you obviously are, always looking to pick a fight. I have absolutely no interest in explaining anything to you mate, as you obviously cannot see anything, except a red mist. You really feel you want an explanation PM me, we''ll arrange a face to face meet I'd be curious to see if you have such a big self-opinionated gob then. If your not up for that just stick to annoying no doubt every single person that has the terrible misfortune to meet you in the flesh, rather than hiding behind a keyboard, where of course you know the consequences of your pig ignorant ramblings do not get the reaction they would in the real world, mind you who would listen, they no doubt see you coming and run a mile.
Posted: 30 April 2012 5:37 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 1251 Location: Sunny Huddersfield
1footinthegrave - 2012-04-30 5:03 PM
Sorry replying to that" full of the milk of human kindness", FG.
What a gold plated nasty individual you obviously are, always looking to pick a fight. I have absolutely no interest in explaining anything to you mate, as you obviously cannot see anything, except a red mist. You really feel you want an explanation PM me, we''ll arrange a face to face meet I'd be curious to see if you have such a big self-opinionated gob then. If your not up for that just stick to annoying no doubt every single person that has the terrible misfortune to meet you in the flesh, rather than hiding behind a keyboard, where of course you know the consequences of your pig ignorant ramblings do not get the reaction they would in the real world, mind you who would listen, they no doubt see you coming and run a mile.
In my experience with Frances and after been snubbed asking him out for drinks I get the feeling he prefers the pleasures of the internet rather than actual human contact
Posted: 30 April 2012 6:51 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 4476
What many fail to take into account is how the main parties "block vote" - so in Local elections you have a ruling party having control and in Westminster it is worse in that with the whip system an MP regardless of how his constituents feel, he has to vote as his party tells him.
Our electoral system resulted in a huge mandate in the House of Commons for Blair in 1997 where whilst he only gained 43% of the vote, Labour got 63% of the available seats. A majority of over 250 MP's. And we all know what that resulted in. Financial Meltdown, Bank Bailouts and a couple of Wars based on dodgy dossiers showing WMD's where no WMD's ever were - to name just a couple.
I have for some time been supportive of the idea of local independent candidates, subservient to no political party. This is what has happened in Denmark in particular with the Danish Peoples party evolving. Other EU countries are seeing much the same and I suggest it would "freshen up" UK politics if we went down this route. Those against this suggest that the DPP is a right wing party which it really does not seem to be. The accusation seems to be very much from those on the Left who have been wrong-footed by their success.
George Galloway had a fantastic result and whilst he is not my personal "cup of tea" - the order of magnitude of his success was thought provoking indeed.
I really do not think it would take very much for people to reject the same tired old lies and spin from the main parties and so give a number of independents as try. The Green Party benefited from this thought process in Brighton.
It may fizzle out. But I hope not. If we get much more collective stupidity from Dead Milliband and the Chuckle brothers Dave and Nick, then I think we will get a protest vote not just at Bi-elections - but in the main event as well.
Posted: 30 April 2012 7:18 PM Subject: RE: Public toilets
Stalwart
Posts: 651 Location: 24800 France, Hymermobile B594,1993 2.5td
Local elections are for local councils and should be fought over local matters, Rubbish collection, schools, health care provision, Public Toilets etc. I do think that the major parties are hugely mistaken in contesting on this basis, councillors who ( yes I find it hard to believe too) have worked hard to improve the lot of their wards may find themselves out on their ears because the electorate dislike a specific national leader at the time of the vote by being labled a Labour, Tory or Lib Dem (Other parties are available, terms and conditions apply). I would sooner vote for the person, funding should be limited to a small amount per elector paid by national funds match funded by the prospective candidate and raised by his/her supporters locally with a limit on individual 'donations' to try and outlaw the 'Dinner with Dave' problem. If a group of candidates group together to help with the organisation and fund raising then this grouping should be publicised, Me? I used to vote Ratepayer or Independent, otherwise the Party machine will be putting a three line whip on every petty decision and we will continue with councils politiking rather than running our services.
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