ive been to hillsbrough with my partner today and he needed the toilet so we popped in to a cafe and got a coffee (worse coffee we have ever had and over priced) so he could used the toilet, when in the cafe a lady with her child (about 2-3??) came in and the woman charged her 50P to let her little girl use the toilet. i was so shocked by this, how could anyone charge someone to use the toilet especially a child?!?!?

ive been to hillsbrough with my partner today and he needed the toilet so we popped in to a cafe and got a coffee (worse coffee we have ever had and over priced) so he could used the toilet, when in the cafe a lady with her child (about 2-3??) came in and the woman charged her 50P to let her little girl use the toilet. i was so shocked by this, how could anyone charge someone to use the toilet especially a child?!?!?

because it costs businesses to provide a toilet!?

I know, its ridiculous. I just find a tree!

If our local council (who seem able to find money for all kinds of dubious schemes) had not closed practically all the public toilets in the city to save money, this situation need not have arisen.

If our local council (who seem able to find money for all kinds of dubious schemes) had not closed practically all the public toilets in the city to save money, this situation need not have arisen.

:gag: i would rather pay 50p than use a public toilet!

There is a free public toilet with disabled access and babychange facilities in the transport interchange office (near the bus station), alternatively there are well maintained facilities for free in the Hillsborough Park pavilion and facilities in Morrisons - All dependant on which end of the borough you are.

Jalucys and Rubys Cafe also have facilities as you were buying a drink I'm sure they would have been happy for you to use them gratis.

edit: I'm guessing it was the Shoppers Rest cafe in the Precinct you were in.

:gag: i would rather pay 50p than use a public toilet!

Think back to the days when they had attendants, were kept clean, and weren't filled with junkies, drunks, vagrants and other unsavoury characters. Granted, nowadays a lot of public loos are an open invite to go and find a hedge.

Its the same at co-op in hillsborough. The toilets used to be next to the post office in there and ou could use them for nil....then they moved thm into the cafe and make you pay....I had to buy a drink when my lad wanted a wee he was only 3 at the time:rolleyes:

Money grabbing gits, thats what they are:mad:

Money grabbing gits, thats what they are:mad:


Do you have some valid argument why businesses should provide you with a service at a cost to themselves, but not charge for it?

I don't agree with it. Railtrack do it in Piccadilly train station.....

Do you have some valid argument why businesses should provide you with a service at a cost to themselves, but not charge for it?

No, but when we are talking about kids I think they should make an exception:roll:

Do you have some valid argument why businesses should provide you with a service at a cost to themselves, but not charge for it?

I quite agree, and I'd far rather pay for a drink I didn't really want - or 50p to use a decent loo - than subject myself to most public toilets.

By the way, I like your signature - even if I did have to strain my eyes to read your comment!

No, but when we are talking about kids I think they should make an exception:roll:

But why? Surely if people have children they are aware of their toileting needs and plan their shopping trips accordingly?

ive been to hillsbrough with my partner today and he needed the toilet so we popped in to a cafe and got a coffee (worse coffee we have ever had and over priced) so he could used the toilet, when in the cafe a lady with her child (about 2-3??) came in and the woman charged her 50P to let her little girl use the toilet. i was so shocked by this, how could anyone charge someone to use the toilet especially a child?







in amsterdam even the macdonalds franchises charge you to use the toilet even if youve had a meal there

I've never been in a shop that dosen't have a toilet, they just don't make it easy for you to get to, it's usually in the very far end, but they have to supply one for staff and customers. but there always free.

:gag: i would rather pay 50p than use a public toilet!

Any port in a storm... The fact is that we pay a fortune in council tax and the council still can't provide toilets.

Businesses only legally have to provide a toilet if they serve food/drink. So the toilets are only really meant for customers who are buying food & drink. I can understand them not letting anyone else use them unless they pay, otherwise their toilets would probably end up being public conveniences. However, I think they should make an excpetion for young kids.

its the same in poland, you have to pay to use the loo but they are always spotless & have loo roll. i do think that children shouldnt have to pay. a pregnant woman can not be refused to use the loo, it should be the same for children.

But why? Surely if people have children they are aware of their toileting needs and plan their shopping trips accordingly?

Oh dear ! Here we go again ! Have you read the 'Toddlers peeing in the gutter - illegal' thread on the General Discussions forum?

Oh dear ! Here we go again ! Have you read the 'Toddlers peeing in the gutter - illegal' thread on the General Discussions forum?

I've read part of the thread. And I do understand that children are more likely to be in urgent need of a visit to the loo than most adults, but I still don't see why they should get to pee for free, if adults are charged for the privilege.

I've read part of the thread. And I do understand that children are more likely to be in urgent need of a visit to the loo than most adults, but I still don't see why they should get to pee for free, if adults are charged for the privilege.

I agree - personally, I wouldn't object to paying if I was desperate for the toilet.

It's a constant source of annoyance that councils allow public toilets to fall into disrepair or disuse and then close them down because of the state they are in. If you don't want people doing it in the streets then provide somewhere clean and appropriate for people to do it.

As for businesses charging for non-customers to use their facilities then fair enough, it's their property and they have to provide and pay for the toilet paper, soap, water and cleaning staff etc. I really don't mind paying to use toilets that are clean and well maintained.

In Scarborough and Filey I think it's 20p now. As for children, any idiot knows they have less ability to foretell when they need the loo and less ability to 'hold on' so clearly kids should be entitled to 'free' use of toilet facilities. Just as disabled people are in many areas. It's yet another thumbs up for the much hated out of town shopping centres though where there's plenty of free toilet facilites and another thumbs down for local councils who then wonder why people are increasingly reluctant to use local and central shopping areas.

because it costs businesses to provide a toilet!?

Exactly - why do people think businesses would be willing to let customers make a mess of their toilets, and get nothing in return?

Exactly - why do people think businesses would be willing to let customers make a mess of their toilets, and get nothing in return?

Why do you assume that they will make a mess?:confused:

ive been to hillsbrough with my partner today and he needed the toilet so we popped in to a cafe and got a coffee (worse coffee we have ever had and over priced) so he could used the toilet, when in the cafe a lady with her child (about 2-3??) came in and the woman charged her 50P to let her little girl use the toilet. i was so shocked by this, how could anyone charge someone to use the toilet especially a child?!?!?

Fair Enough if I owed a Business I wouldn't want people coming in off the street all the time to use the toilets. But It's a Basic understandable human need! Like Breathing and Sleeping! Are we all going to be charged for that next!

I find that if you ask the place first they tend to be ok with it! But charging extra when you are already a paying customer is a bit much!

It's a constant source of annoyance that councils allow public toilets to fall into disrepair or disuse and then close them down because of the state they are in. If you don't want people doing it in the streets then provide somewhere clean and appropriate for people to do it.

As for businesses charging for non-customers to use their facilities then fair enough, it's their property and they have to provide and pay for the toilet paper, soap, water and cleaning staff etc. I really don't mind paying to use toilets that are clean and well maintained.

In Scarborough and Filey I think it's 20p now. As for children, any idiot knows they have less ability to foretell when they need the loo and less ability to 'hold on' so clearly kids should be entitled to 'free' use of toilet facilities. Just as disabled people are in many areas. It's yet another thumbs up for the much hated out of town shopping centres though where there's plenty of free toilet facilites and another thumbs down for local councils who then wonder why people are increasingly reluctant to use local and central shopping areas. My bold

Sorry, but I really can't see why children should get free use of toilet facilities, just because they can't 'hold on'.

It's hardly the fault of the owner of the facilities, so why should they have to subsidise children to use them? If parents object so strongly to paying for the use of loos for their children, then perhaps they should confine their shopping to department stores, etc, where lavatories are available.

and as I previously posted, there are facilities in Hillsborough which can be used for free anyway.

Was recently in Italy, and you have to pay pretty much everywhere (even in a cafe where we had already spent a fortune on overpriced drinks!). To make things worse, some of the places are disgusting!

I have no objection to paying to use a business's facilities if I'm not a customer, but paying to use a filthy loo with no locks on the doors or paper is another thing altogether!

My bold

Sorry, but I really can't see why children should get free use of toilet facilities, just because they can't 'hold on'.

It's hardly the fault of the owner of the facilities, so why should they have to subsidise children to use them? If parents object so strongly to paying for the use of loos for their children, then perhaps they should confine their shopping to department stores, etc, where lavatories are available.

I take it you haven't got children Dozy? Unfortunately there aren't any department stores in Hillsborough. I think most parents get to know where all the free toilets are but sadly there aren't any in the centre of Hillsborough. I agree that businesses should not have to provide a free toilet. I think most parents agree. However I strongly think the owners of the precint or the council should provide some public facilites. I know there are some at the Park but its a bit of a treck if you have a desperate toddler.

Your other comment about planning shopping trips around childrens toilet requirements made me smile. How on earth does that work? Do you think kids (or adults for that matter) pee & pooh at certain times each day?

thats why the man in the thread the other day pooed under a bridge...hadn't got 50p! That clears everything up :)

I take it you haven't got children Dozy? Unfortunately there aren't any department stores in Hillsborough. I think most parents get to know where all the free toilets are but sadly there aren't any in the centre of Hillsborough. I agree that businesses should not have to provide a free toilet. I think most parents agree. However I strongly think the owners of the precint or the council should provide some public facilites. I know there are some at the Park but its a bit of a treck if you have a desperate toddler.

Your other comment about planning shopping trips around childrens toilet requirements made me smile. How on earth does that work? Do you think kids (or adults for that matter) pee & pooh at certain times each day?

Realistically, the one at the bus station/interchange isn't far from the shops and its got disabled access.

Also, the expression 'spend a penny' comes from the days when it cost a penny to use a public toilet, and those in department stores. A penny was worth more then, but people paid to use facilities that were well kept and clean.

I take it you haven't got children Dozy? Unfortunately there aren't any department stores in Hillsborough. I think most parents get to know where all the free toilets are but sadly there aren't any in the centre of Hillsborough. I agree that businesses should not have to provide a free toilet. I think most parents agree. However I strongly think the owners of the precint or the council should provide some public facilites. I know there are some at the Park but its a bit of a treck if you have a desperate toddler.

Your other comment about planning shopping trips around childrens toilet requirements made me smile. How on earth does that work? Do you think kids (or adults for that matter) pee & pooh at certain times each day?

Is there some sort of containment barrier around Hillsborough that prevents people from going elsewhere to shop? Perhaps if parents boycotted the shops, something might be done about providing some public lavatories?

And does having children somehow kill the brains of parents so that they can't manage to find out where there are toilets, so that if an emergency arises they know where to go?

I suffer from urge incontinence and if I can manage to ensure that I'm within striking distance of facilities when I'm out, then why can't parents - who are, presumably, aware of the possibility of an urgent need for the loo - do the same?

My daughter (4) and I went to the toilets beside peace gardens but I didn't have enough change so the woman opened the door and took me through to office, I gave her 50p ( its 20p a pee), she asked if we were both going to be using toilet and I said yes so she only gave me 10p back. I think this is ridiculous, we shared the same toilet and the same flush:hihi:

I would gladly pay 20p if I had to go into a cafe if my daughter needed but would object to having to pay for a coffee in order to go.

Dozy can I just ask if you have children as judging by your comments you either don't or you are an expert in toilet training!!!!!!!


Kids are kids and when they need to go it is usually right then and when you least expect it, I usually get into the habit of asking my kids when I am in a store with toilets if they need to go just in case.

Realistically, the one at the bus station/interchange isn't far from the shops and its got disabled access.

I had forgotton about these. Thanks for the reminder. Yes they are pretty central. Do they have baby change facilites? I like to know where these are just in case (like I said Dozy most parents know wherel the toilets are). If it was an emergency I would probably ask to use the Funzone one's as I am a regular there & would hope there would be some goodwill on their part.

Yes, they have babychange facilities. They are quite basic, usually reasonably clean, and free. There's only one, but I've never seen a queue for it! Perhaps its one of those well kept secrets, ;) even though Foxy & I mention it every time there's a thread about lack of toilets in Hillsborough.

But why? Surely if people have children they are aware of their toileting needs and plan their shopping trips accordingly?

As the mother of a 3yr old I have to admit to giggling at this quote... I shall ensure in future that I only take my child out of the house for very short intervals between wee's and not let him have a drink if out. Or I could just let him wee his pants and sit him on the bus and make the seats smell ripe and lovely.


Is it illegal to let your toddler wee in a drain at the gutter ? (following the reference to a thread about illegal to wee in the gutter). My little one does it nearly everyday walking home from nursery even though I make him go to the loo before we set off home.

My daughter (4) and I went to the toilets beside peace gardens but I didn't have enough change so the woman opened the door and took me through to office, I gave her 50p ( its 20p a pee), she asked if we were both going to be using toilet and I said yes so she only gave me 10p back. I think this is ridiculous, we shared the same toilet and the same flush:hihi:

I would gladly pay 20p if I had to go into a cafe if my daughter needed but would object to having to pay for a coffee in order to go.

Next time, use Mothercare! There are also nice toilets for free in: Orchard Square, Atkinsons, M&S, John Lewis and Debenhams.

Incidentally, I was walking past the entrance to the gents bogs under the town hall this afternoon and the stench of weed (yes, that's 'weed', not 'wee' ;)) was unbelievable! :o

Next time, use Mothercare! There are also nice toilets for free in: Orchard Square, Atkinsons, M&S, John Lewis and Debenhams.

Incidentally, I was walking past the entrance to the gents bogs under the town hall this afternoon and the stench of weed (yes, that's 'weed', not 'wee' ;)) was unbelievable! :o

Didn't know there were some in Orchard Square, where abouts?

P.S. I wouldn't know what weed smelt like, never having been in contact with anyone smoking it.

thats why the man in the thread the other day pooed under a bridge...hadn't got 50p! That clears everything up :)

Not quite everything....what about the poo :hihi:

There is a free toilet in the Travel office - next the the little interchange - at Hillsborough. And at times when it is closed it is not too difficult to nip into the Rawson Spring and use the facilities without buying a drink....and if you get "caught" just tell the management you are part of Sheffield Forum (we have a monthly meet there) ;)

Didn't know there were some in Orchard Square, where abouts?

P.S. I wouldn't know what weed smelt like, never having been in contact with anyone smoking it.

There are some steps at the side of Waterstones, underneath the exterior stairs, going down to some basement toilets. I don't know if they're OK because I've never been in 'em myself but they're well used!

Weed smells a bit like burning sweaty socks :gag: Or the smell you get inside Gamestation. It mings.

It seems that things might improve in Hillsborough. Follow this link and scroll down to "Public Toilets in Hillsborough"

http://www.honf.btik.com/p_Newsletter.ikml

Just go in the Rawson Spring.

You can have a few pints as well then.

Do you have some valid argument why businesses should provide you with a service at a cost to themselves, but not charge for it?


Cost of a toilet flush +-1p, wear and tear cost of using the toilet <1p, washing hands <1p, other overheads 2p.. 5p.

Probably the reason most businesses offer it as a free service.