Lord Rogers has performed a public service by drawing attention to the appalling state of the men's toilets at Brighton station (February 18).

The last time I went there, the trough to which he refers was blocked and the floor awash with urine. I have not been back since.

It's a similar story on South Central trains, with many toilets locked or filthy. If you are caught short, a trip to town can be an agonising experience.

If you wanted proof of how we, as a nation, have gone backwards, the toilets at Brighton station are a wonderful example. The old Victorian stalls and cubicles were palatial compared to what is provided today.

The comments of the South Central (Go-Ahead) spokesman are very revealing.

He treats the welfare of his customers with complete contempt with regard to toilet facilities and clearly has no intention of doing anything about them in the short term.

The total indifference to Lord Rogers' concern for passengers and the reputation of Brighton and Hove is staggering.

This spokesman's main interest was saving money for the arrogant organisation he represents. This is a classic example of a company exploiting a monopoly position.

Brighton and Hove City Council is not powerless in this situation. It should write to the chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority and insist he visits these toilets to evaluate the problem and ensures an immediate solution is implemented.

Go-Ahead, which has just increased its dividend, is close to finalising a seven-year deal to run South Central. In my opinion, it should not get it unless a radical change in its attitude to the public and the provision of decent toilets on its railway is forthcoming.

I wonder how often the management uses the public toilets at Brighton station?

-Alan Nunn, Pipers Close, Hove