Hanwell's public loo to be removed

The area regularly suffers from anti-social behaviour and it is believed these measures will reduce future problems.

But, Hanwell Community Forum has been campaigning for years to open the public loo and claim there should be more policing of the area rather than punishing the residents and shoppers.

Carolyn Brown, chair of HCF, said: "We're very disappointed this decision has been taken especially as Lidl never stuck to the section 106 agreement to provide a public loo.

"Hanwell needs public toilets outside of trader's opening times and seats as there will be nowhere in between the clock and St Joseph's and Mellitus Church.

"The community toilet scheme is doing really well but is dependent on traders to remain open and many people have medical conditions such as Chrones Disease and who take diuretics for high blood pressure which means they pass urine regularly and need to know when they leave their house there is a public toilet.

"The seating was always badly designed as it was outward facing but the redesign is more like a dead space rather than providing a vibrant town square to the heart of Hanwell."

But Hanwell traders are pleased with the decision which was taken by the planning committee of Wednesday evening.

Mary Gill, Chair of Hanwell Associated Traders (HAT), said: "This has been going on for years and it's absolutely pointless having the loo there.

"The key has been lost for years and it's away from the street and never monitored.
"We have the community toilet scheme in Hanwell; designated areas for use, and these can be monitored by traders.

"The new plan looks nice and we just want to get this done, to make a much nicer area in addition to the hanging baskets and paving as part of the Hanwell regeneration."

In a report considered by the planning committee, it stated the visual and social enhancements would outweigh the loss of the toilet.