Wychavon wins WC award

You don’t need to worry about being caught short in Wychavon, Worcestershire, as it officially boasts the best public toilets in the UK.  

Wychavon District Council not only holds the UK Loo of the Year Award, but the council also triumphs in a host of other titles for its public toilets, including:

• Best public toilets provided by a local authority in England
• Best UK Space to Change Toilet for Church Walk toilets in Pershore
• Best Baby Change Facilities Award for England for St Andrew's Square toilets in Droitwich
• Best Public toilets within parks and gardens in England for Lido Park in Droitwich
• Best non-attended public toilets in England for St Andrew's Square in Droitwich.

As well as the titles, three of Wychavon's public toilets became the first local authority run lavatories to receive diamond status. The other nine were given platinum awards. Wychavon has also moved up the Loo of the Year Premier League table, climbing from 7th to 5th place.

Wychavon District Council has invested heavily in its public toilets over the last three years. Improvements include installing energy and water saving Propelair toilets, solar panels, LED lighting and combined tap/hand driers. Additionally the council has created Changing Places toilets in three locations to support residents and visitors with severe disabilities. The Council also completely refurbished a number of toilets, along with building a new block in Pershore.

Kevin Wellman, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) said, “I highly commend Wychavon District Council’s public toilet policy. The Council has recognised the importance of these facilities to residents and visitors, bringing dignity and freedom to those who may otherwise find it difficult to leave home without access to such facilities. The council’s forward thinking means it will reap the benefits of its investment, through higher footfall in its high streets and public places, bringing welcome support to the local economy. 

“In the current times, access to quality toileting and hand washing facilities has never been more important. As we know from our Love Your Local Lav campaign, investing in public toilets benefits the while community. The CIPHE urges councils across the UK to follow Wychavon’s example of protecting the public health, while respecting the needs of its residents and supporting the local economy.” 

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