I don't wish to get involved in the debate as to whether, taking inflation into account, spending 20p to use the new facilities at Brighton Station compares well with the penny of bygone eras.

I would, however, like to argue that the ease with which one can use a decent public toilet when one needs to is a significant indicator of just how civilised a modern society may be.

Sadly, nowadays, both as a city and nation, Brighton and the UK fail miserably.

I'd like us to take a leaf out of Spain's book, where it is a legal requirement, I believe, that cafes, bars, hotels and restaurants are obliged to make their toilets available to the public, whether or not the person is conducting any other "business" at the establishment.

To encourage this practice in Britain, perhaps proprietors could be offered the incentive of a "relief" on their commercial rates bill.

It would have the added possibility that once someone has entered the premises, they might be tempted to spend more than the intended penny.

-Ian Lawes , Brighton