EARLY this year the task of cleaning the public toilets in Brighton and Hove was taken back in-house by the local authority.

Initially I was pleased for the staff as they will receive better pay.

However, in terms of public service, I was very disappointed to discover that the lavatories in the Pavilion Gardens were closed at 5pm in February.

In my view this is was an absurd decision because people were running to try and spend a penny, some became irate.

I got caught out myself back in March because the closing time used to be 6pm.

This penny pinching will prove unwise because certain people will simply urinate in the gardens, which is a public health issue.

The toilets by the King Alfred in Hove and those by Hove Lawns will also close an hour earlier this summer.

May I urge Brighton and Hove Council to re-think the winter hours for public loos so that do they do not became so inconvenient.

Excuses about antisocial behaviour does not wash because I observe drug users at lunch time in the Pavilion Gardens.

If I may provide a factual example, the area around Victoria Station in London has become fresh and pleasant following the opening of free clean public toilets a few years ago.

S Zapello

Address supplied