Shops that have closed during the pandemic could be converted to public toilets amid a shortage of places to spend a penny.

The closure of the House of Fraser department store in Richmond and other retailers, restaurants and bars has created a shortage of 'welfare facilities' to use the loo or change a baby's nappy.

And – as a result – there has been anger as an increasing number of people have used alleyways, phone kiosks, home and shop doorways as public toilets.

Richmond Borough Council has installed temporary facilities on both Richmond Green and Twickenham Green, but they are now looking for a more permanent solution.

It seems likely that converting empty and disused shops to public toilets could be extended beyond Richmond town centre to Twickenham, Teddington and Kew.

In a press release, the council said: "Richmond town centre is the economic centre of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It has traditionally had a strong offering of retail, hospitality, leisure, offices and culture, alongside its role as a transport hub for the borough.

"All of these elements have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Council is progressing proposals to ensure economic recovery in the areas is supported by a strategy to increase connectivity, drive footfall and make it feel safe for people to visit shops, access services and explore the area."

It has set up a consultation exercise to allow residents to comment on a series of proposals to improve central Richmond. These include:

"Identifying and delivering a number of improvement schemes focused on greening and small-scale interventions, such as tree planting, improving seating, pavement quality and removal of disused phone kiosks and unnecessary bollards and the provision of long-term toilet facilities."

A discussion paper from the council said: "The impact of the global pandemic and the subsequent effect on the closure of much of the Town Centre commercial activity, has led to secondary issues of the subsequent closure of in-house toilet facilities within Richmond Town Centre.

"As the nation has moved into and out of lockdown and through the various tier systems, Richmond Town Centre has seen periodic increases in recreational usage.

"During these occasions, toilet facilities have been largely closed, however a permitted takeaway food and drink culture has developed, which has operated within the limit of government restrictions without providing the associated welfare facilities. Visitors to the area continue to enjoy the Riverside, The Green and other local attractions.

"To address this, officers are developing a two-fold report examining both short term and long-term opportunities to introduce toilet facilities as the country progresses out of Lockdown. In the short-term sites are being identified for the possibility of positioning an "event style" facility to address the more immediate concerns.

"Beyond this, a proposal is also being looked at to bring into use a disused commercial premise. These are numerous throughout the town centre and could provide a permanent and discreet facility. Study work on this is continuing and will be duly reported as progress is achieved."

The councils' efforts to improve Richmond go beyond new toilets and include adding more greenery to the high street, particularly to disguise shops that have closed and could become a magnet for graffiti. One idea is using green planting and screens across the front of these empty shops to make them appear more attractive.

The discussion paper describes the idea as: "Green measures - Various additions to both prominent and awkward spaces. These can be used to not only improve visual appearance, but to deter antisocial activity such as graffiti and define space."

This will include: "A number of cosmetic improvements have also been made to the area, including the planting of a number of trees to improve the public realm."