SALISBURY has been included in a list that highlights the best cities in the UK for access to public toilets – an inclusion that is surprising given context.
Analysis by the mobility experts at Oak Tree Mobility puts Salisbury in ninth place out of 75 cities, with 0.7 accessible public toilets per 10,000 people.
Access to public toilets in Salisbury has been a source of contention since the city council decided to close the facilities in the Market Place and at the Central Car Park at the end of March in a bid to save money.
This was a move which drew strong criticism from residents, with a petition to keep them open being signed more than 2,500 times.
But the council claimed the closure was needed, as the facilities had become “a focus for anti-social behaviour” with reports of sexual assaults, deaths and three incidents of arson over the years, as well as concerns over the annual maintenance fee, which is said to be £100,000.
READ MORE: Plans for new Market Place toilets withdrawn following calls for wider consultation
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The council initially submitted plans to redevelop the Market Place toilets in February, but these have now been withdrawn following local businesses, the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce and the Salisbury Business Improvement all calling for a pause to the plans to allow a wider consultation with businesses in the Market Square to take place.
Research by Living Streets cited that a lack of public toilets is a key deterrent preventing them from more regular high street visits.
Oak Tree Mobility’s top 10 list Picture: Oak Tree Mobility
So how does this impact high street revenue?
Oak Tree Mobility said that many town centres are becoming “increasingly unwelcoming”, especially for older people and those with accessibility needs, despite this group being among the most loyal and frequent shoppers.
A spokesperson said: “With nearly a third of over-60s’ high street visits focused on shopping, and half still preferring in-store experiences, barriers like poor access and inadequate facilities are cutting off a valuable source of steady, inflation-resistant spending.
“Removing these obstacles could unlock £267 million in extra revenue each month, according to research by the University of Stirling.”
Verity Kick, marketing director at Oak Tree Mobility, said: “Having accessible high streets is essential to maintain the independence and wellbeing of older adults in the UK.
“With pressures on families, social care, and the NHS increasing, committing to this investment wouldn’t just help over-60s live a happier, healthier life for longer, but generate more tax revenues through growing businesses.
“As such, we encourage the government and local councils to look again into the funding and accessibility plans for UK high streets.”
She added: “Around a third of those we asked about their biggest challenges when visiting their local high street cited shop closures.
“This can have a profound impact on the elderly and those with disabilities, and not in a positive way.
“While the digital transformation of many services promises efficiency and cost savings for some, it presents a significant barrier for older adults who struggle with the learning curve of new technologies and the isolation that stems from diminished face-to-face interactions.”
We have no public toilets in Salisbury city centre. Has this furniture company ever sent a representative to the city?