Congratulations to Adam Trimingham for describing in such detail (The Argus, April 15), complete with historical outline, the (lack of) public toilets in Brighton and Hove. Some time ago Jean Calder, among others, complained about the lack of seating in the city and pointed out how that could increase the difficulties of elderly people especially. A lack of ready access to toilets is likewise a problem.

Living Streets, better known as the Pedestrians’ Association, is concerned with matters such as the obstruction and misuse of pavements by cars, A-boards and rogue cyclists as well as the provision of safe and convenient access for walkers.

But the provision of seating and toilets – indeed, seating in toilets ie more facilities for women – is also important in making the city a pleasant place to walk around in.

So we too appeal to the council to make the necessary improvements. Who knows? A better walking environment may prove to be even more important in “getting customers through the doors” of local shops than encouraging them to come and move about here by car.

Bruce A Smith Gloucester Road, Brighton