From Fear to Flush — Fix British Public Toilets for Everyone!

You walk into a public toilet and see that the toilet seat is cracked and covered in urine. The flush barely works, and the whole thing just makes you want to walk right back out. This is what too many people — especially kids — face when they try to use a public toilet.

My name is Joshua Sinath-Reynald and I'm telling you this because public toilets are supposed to be a place where you can go when you need to, but too often the toilets themselves are in such bad condition that people would rather avoid them completely. Some are stained or broken, with seats that wobble, lids missing, or even parts that don't work at all. Sometimes the flush is so weak it barely works, and other times it's so strong it splashes water back up. Many toilets look like they haven't been replaced or properly cared for in years, which makes them unpleasant, unhygienic, and downright scary to use — especially for kids. For a lot of children, using a public toilet for a number two feels embarrassing or even impossible, simply because the toilets themselves feel gross or unsafe. That's not something anyone should have to deal with.

Honestly, I often feel nervous about doing a number two in public toilets. Most of the time they feel dirty, unsafe, and just horrible to use. I end up holding it in until I get home, even if it means feeling uncomfortable for hours. I know I'm not the only one, because lots of other people feel the same way. No one should have to feel nervous or embarrassed about something as normal as going to the toilet.

A public toilet should be a clean, working, comfortable space that people of all ages can use without fear. This means the toilets themselves must be in good condition, properly fitted, and kept fresh every single day. They should flush easily without causing a mess, have seats that fit securely, and be shaped so they're comfortable to sit on. For younger kids, smaller toilet options or special seat attachments would help them feel more confident about using them. Fixing the toilets themselves is the most important step, because no matter how clean the floors are or how much soap you have, if the actual toilet feels dirty, damaged, or unpleasant, people simply won't use it.

Of course, other things matter too. Public toilets should have doors that lock properly, bright lighting so they feel safe, and good ventilation so they don't smell bad. There should be no big gaps at the bottom or sides of cubicles, because that takes away privacy and makes people feel exposed. They should be cleaned throughout the day, and always have toilet paper and soap. Tourists visiting our community will notice and remember whether our facilities are nice or not — and so will locals.

When the toilets are well-designed, properly maintained, and comfortable to use, everyone benefits. Kids will feel less anxious, parents won't have to rush home in the middle of an outing, and the whole community will look more welcoming. It's a small change that can have a big impact on health, dignity, and quality of life.

We are asking our local leaders to invest in better public toilets, starting with the toilets themselves. Replace the broken ones, repair the damaged ones, and make sure they are safe, sturdy, and easy to use. Then keep them clean, stocked, and ready for everyone — young, old, local, or visiting. No one, especially children, should have to feel scared, embarrassed, or disgusted by something as basic as a public toilet. It's time to flush out the fear and fix them for good.

Now, you might be wondering why this petition is so long. The answer is simple: the problem has been ignored for too long, so it needs to be spelled out in detail. If this was just a short petition, people might shrug it off and forget about it. But by explaining the problem clearly, with real examples, it shows that this isn't a small complaint – it's a big, important issue that affects everyone, and it's worth fixing properly.

Let's flush away the problem and bring in public toilets we can actually use without fear.