To think that building regulations for ladies loos should be changed?

[Anquin]

This is a constant source of disgust for me, and yesterday it happened again in a very “naice” garden centre. The new toilets have been open for only a short time, but have been built to existing regulations, which stipulate that there should be a 300mm space each side of the toilet bowl and the side of the cubicle.
Which would be fine, except that they then stick a sanitary bin in that space - meaning that when someone can’t fit their used towel in, it’s sticking out close to my backside when I sit down - uuurrrggghh!
Why can’t they change the regs to allow for a bigger space between the loo bowl and the wall, if the intention is to take some of that space up with a bin?
WDYT?

I agree! Toilet cubicles and their "design" give me the rage. Never enough room to get in and actually shut the door without touching the (filthy) porcelain. And that's without kids with me and a bag. And I'm not particularly big. And never any blessed hook to hang the bag. Or coat. So they get covered in piss/shit dirt from the floor. Don't get me started on the afterthought of a sanpro bin. Or the loo roll dispensers that are not fit for purpose. (Ie do not dispense loo paper) Or the inappropriate vending machines (try explaining why your three year old can't have condom "sweeties" from said machine. ) or what to do with a child while I'm having a wee and they can't /don't want to come in with you. No soap in the dispensers. All this and having to look over your shoulder hoping no random bloke has decided it's their right to come and use the ladies loo. But what can we do to improve things? Isn't there a golden loos award thing where you can vote for fab loos? And is there a converse shit loos award where we can also vote?

Yes tutu the lack of bloody hooks!!! Was at breast cancer check up this morning. Immune compromised patients on ward, sanitiser Hand gel notices everywhere and nowhere to put your bag and coat apart from the bloody loo floor. Have complained about this for four years. Nothing.

Gloucester services on the m5 have nailed it with the family toilets. Giant rooms with adult and kid's size toilet in each one plus a changing table, nappy and sanitary bins and a wash basin and dryer in each one. Men and women can use them. The ladies' loos are nice too.

Bluewater family toilets are good too - big and small toilets, high and low basins, nappy change with giant roll of tissue covering, lots of space, bins, and a comfy armchair. They are kept extremely clean too, and there are lots of them.

Is there room here for a MN Best Public Loos Award?

So far the contenders are:

• Gloucester Services on the M5 (two mentions so definitely up there)
• Bluewater family loos (needs up to date verification)
• Debenhams in Bury
• An unspecified shopping centre in Glasgow
• Legoland

Any more suggestions, I honestly can't think of any myself.

If they made a reality show building up to the Best Public Loo Awards I would watch it. It would be presented by Alex Polizzi, Mary Portas, and the children from Life of a 4 year old. The awards dinner would be catered by Masterchef as one of their episodes, because they are running out of things to cater.

Great idea! What would the reality show be called? Can I suggest "Flushed with success" or "Going down the pan"?

Brilliant! Quick flog idea to c4 before someone else does

I’d be more interested in a show which also included the scruffiest/tiniest/worst designed public toilets . Then things might change.