• WELL done Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE) and the New Journal for highlighting the need for more public toilets, (‘Somewhere to go to the loo is a basic human right, so give us more toilets!’ October 7).

Earlier this year the local government ministry consulted on public toilet provision and I responded to that consultation.

I pointed out that cuts in local government spending had led to a reduction in all services including public toilet provision – and that this particularly impacts on visitor destinations like Camden.

This has led to a situation where toilet provision is inadequate for both sexes but especially for women who need cubicles and greater privacy.

It is the case that women have to queue for much longer than men so there is clearly a greater need for more women’s toilets.

When he was a St Pancras borough councillor, George Bernard Shaw successfully campaigned for toilet provision for women, another first for our borough and a tradition we should build on.

As always the issue is lack of government support and I agree with KOVE’s Peter Lush who said that we need national legislation and the finance to go with it.

Finally, along with my colleague Cllr Pat Callaghan, I have long supported Yvonne Klemperer’s campaign (The cemetery needs loos, September 17) for public conveniences in Hampstead cemetery, which is itself an increasingly popular visitor destination.

CLLR RICHARD COTTON
Labour, Camden Town
with Primrose Hill ward