Knightswick Centre toilets

 

 

Public toilets can be an indicator of the qualities of a community, and clean and well kept facilities send the message that "this community cares". Where once public toilets were a source of civic pride, nowadays they are often run-down and unwelcoming. 

A good example of this is those at the Knightswick Centre in Canvey's town centre. Whilst normally stocked with soap and loo-paper, they are in some need of TLC and are far from first rate. Some of the flushers take considerable effort to use, there is much graffiti, lighting is poor, and the décor is best described as 'tired'.  

One can only guess at what visitors and locals must think of them. 

To heap further misery on the public, these toilets are often not open (sometimes shutting as early as 3pm).

Canvey, a community of 40,000 bladders, is not well-served by public conveniences. Large areas of the island are quite some way from a toilet, and being 'caught short' could present real problems. 

A community that hopes to attract visitors and wishes to serve its residents should consider looking after its conveniences. I would hope that the Council would make efforts to give these toilets a facelift, promise that toilets will not be sold off, and aspire to an expansion programme so that there are enough toilets to serve community and visitors alike.