The temporary toilets on Richmond riverside will be removed next week.

The loos, which were installed in March this year, will be taken away by Richmond Council from Tuesday 31 August (after the Bank Holiday).

The Council first brought in the facilities after receiving complaints about public urination during the lockdown of 2020.

But usage of the toilets has plummeted since Covid-19 restrictions eased.

The number of people using them dropped by 80% - compared to 'peak usage' - after restaurants, cafes and pubs re-opened this summer.

The temporary loos at Twickenham Green are also set to be removed next week.

But the Council will be keeping the toilets at Richmond Green until the end of September, as it considers its options for the town centre.

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee said: "I am pleased that the temporary toilets have been well used and contributed to a reduction of the antisocial behaviour issues we experienced during the first lockdown.

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"However, we have always been clear that temporary toilets are very expensive, and not a long-term solution.

"As we head towards autumn and winter, demand for the public toilet provision on Richmond Riverside and Twickenham Green is falling, and businesses have reopened their facilities."

Many of Richmond borough's cafes and pubs are signed up to the Council's Community Toilet Scheme, allowing anyone to pop in and use the facilities.

Read more here.

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