Coin-operated loos dismissed as plain potty - Chapel Market, Angel and Old Street stallholders fear trade loss

Published: 29 December 2010
by PETER GRUNER

PLANS to switch to coin-operated public toilets in Islington have angered traders.

Stallholders fear a plan to close the existing loos at Chapel Market, Angel, and Old Street Tube station under cuts imposed by the government could be the final straw for their businesses.

Labour Town Hall leader Councillor Cath­erine West, who campaigned for more public toilets before the election, said the council is considering replacing loos with coin-operated, automated single toilets.

But David Twydell, chairman of Chapel Market Traders’ Association, said few people liked using coin-operated toilets. “Many people, particularly the elderly, don’t trust these coin-operated toilets. There is always the worry the automatic door will suddenly slide open and people will be on view.”

Gary Curtis, of Angel Fishmongers, agreed. “We need proper communal toilets like we have at present. We get hundreds of customers every day. Where are they going to go when they want to spend a penny? You can’t keep using pubs or McDonald’s.”

At the market’s handbag stall, Wendy Watts said the answer might be to provide toilets similar to those at mainline stations. “People won’t mind paying 20p if the toilets are clean and well managed,” she said. 

At Old Street station traders warned that when there had been no public loos people had relieved themselves in underground corridors.

Lib Dem opposition leader Councillor Terry Stacy said: “The previous council and businesses contributed to the refurbished toilets in Chapel Market. It’s yet another attack on the business community.” 

Cllr West said many people found coin-operated toilets perfectly acceptable. “We will look at all the possibilities before making a final decision,” she added.