Merton should be a place where everyone can go about their daily lives without needing to worry about whether they can find a toilet. However, many parts of the borough lack accessible, clean and well-maintained public toilets, and there is well below the average number of public toilets compared with other London boroughs.

More Loos for Merton believes that having better toilet provision would not only convey that Merton is a civilised, welcoming and inclusive place, but also show that the Council takes public health seriously and wants to encourage people to visit its high streets, leisure facilities and green spaces.

Our local campaign group believes that relaunching a Community Toilet Scheme (CTS) could greatly improve the situation. We want the Council to take a more proactive approach to persuading and supporting local businesses and organisations to make their toilets available to the public, and to find ways of overcoming the barriers that currently discourage participation in the scheme.

The concept of a CTS has already been successfully implemented by many local authorities, including nearby Richmond upon Thames. In that borough, participating businesses (such as cafes, pubs and restaurants) allow people to use their toilets free of charge without needing to make a purchase. In return, they receive a small subsidy from the Council, who also ensures that facilities meet satisfactory standards. 

Establishing a similar scheme in Merton would benefit many people, including those who may need a toilet urgently or frequently due to a health condition, older people, families with young children, people who are pregnant or menstruating, and workers such as delivery drivers, road sweepers, postal workers and the police. It would also benefit local businesses by increasing footfall, and help to tackle social isolation by making more people feel confident about going out and about and being more active.

The Council should also improve signage and communication about the location of toilets to enable people to find facilities easily.

This petition calls upon Merton Council to: 

- Relaunch the Community Toilet Scheme by supporting organisations and businesses to participate in the scheme.
- Publish and deliver a public toilet strategy for Merton.
- Improve signage and communication about the location of toilets in Merton. 

If you live, work or study in Merton, or often visit the borough, please join our call for action by signing this petition.

Thank you for your support.