WYCHAVON made a splash at the annual Loo of the Year competition after clinching a host of awards again.
The district’s conveniences were named the Best Local Authority toilets in England and the United Kingdom for the third year in a row, while Wychavon retained top spot in the Toilet Premier League.
Judges also singled out Wychavon’s baby changing facilities for praise, giving them a highly commended award. Milestone Ground loos in Broadway were named Best Public Toilets in a Car Park.
Overall, six of Wychavon’s toilets were given the highest possible award of Diamond status, with the loos in Broadway Activity Park, High Street Car Park and Church Walk in Pershore, and Oat Street in Evesham given Platinum Plus status.
Abbey Park toilets in Evesham received a Platinum award.
The Loo of the Year Awards started in 1987 to recognise and encourage the need for the highest standards of ‘away from home washrooms’.
They provide an independent assessment of the standard of hygiene, repair and facilities at each toilet.
Wychavon has invested heavily in improving and upgrading its toilets in recent years.
Work has included installing energy and water saving Propelair toilets, solar panels, LED lighting, grey water harvesting and combined tap/hand driers.
St Andrew’s Square toilet block in Droitwich Spa is currently undergoing a full internal refurbishment and is the final facility to be improved as part of Wychavon’s investment programme.
Dedicated facilities for people with a variety of disabilities, known as Changing Places toilets, have been created in St Andrew’s Square and Lido Park in Droitwich Spa, Church Close and the Activity Park in Broadway, Oat Street and Waterside in Evesham and Church Walk in Pershore.
Councillor Beverley Hardman, Wychavon’s executive board member responsible for public toilets, said: “We’re all flushed with pride that our loos are once again the best in the country.
“At a time when many councils have closed their toilets or introduced charges, we’re proud of the fact they not only remain open and free to use, but we continue to invest in them.
“A huge thank you to our contractors Mitie and their cleaning staff, who do a tremendous job looking after our toilets.”
