I refer to recent articles and letters about public toilets.

I am well aware and have had to deal with extensive vandalism, together with those who have drug-related problems.

I would like to take both Bournemouth and Poole Councils to task over managing these problems – without closing the facilities for lengthy periods or in many instances altogether, as in the case of Jubilee Road.

I had a pub for 10 years, and the brewery who owned the premises had a 24-hour contract with builders to maintain all toilet facilities at all times. I worked in a bank for 10 years and the bank had an ongoing contract for 24-hour call-out by plumbers.

I owned a cafe for 10 years, and negotiated a contract with builders for immediate call-out should plumbing problems arise... especially the customers' toilet facilities.

I then was a station desk officer with Dorset Police for 13 years, who again had a 24-hour contract with plumbers in the event of problems.

In-betweeen those occupations, amongst others, I worked in Boscombe Hospital, where there was a 24-hour plumbing contract, and Tourist Information – the same applied.

Now at a ‘later stage in life’ I find I, along with many others, need the facilities formerly providing a continuous service more than I used to.

Recently, public conveniences at the following locations over a period have been ‘out of order’ for days, weeks and in some cases months, without remedy. These included Tuckton, Westbourne and Winton, Branksome, Constitution Hill, Poole High Street and Quay multi-storey car park.

I’m thoroughly tired of negotiating flower beds, alleyways, bushes, dark corners and behind recycling bins in cases of emergency – and I’m not the only one. On a recent visit to Wareham, I found toilet facilities of a 5-star standard, way above and beyond any provided by Poole or Bournemouth. If they can find the cash, why can’t our two local authorites do likewise and maintain their own facilities?

The excuses provided regarding the the Jubilee Road faclities were an insult to anyone of average (or below) intelligence.

Geoff Beard-Walker, Withermoor Road, Winton