Allotments 4 All

My neighbour who cleans the plot toilets was really fed up.  She told me that someone constantly leaves faeces over the seat in the ladies and the notice in on the door asking people to leave the toilet as they would like to find it had been removed.  She thought it may be the children and felt that they should be supervised.  I made a fresh set of notices requesting toilet to be left in a clean manner and children to be supervised.  (3 of each: 1 for outside the toilet door, 1 on the wall opposite when door was opened and 1 for the screen when you left the toilet).  Today she told me that the notices had been torn down (so obviously the person could read English) and the toilet blocked up with paper towels.

Also the notice on the gate requesting that it should be kept locked at all times went missing so I made another one.  That has been torn down as well. 

What the heck are we supposed to do now?  I have suggested that paper towels be removed and replaced with either a cloth towel or nothing, then they can do as I do, rub my hands down my keks to dry them.

That sounds awful, lottie. Your friend is being treated with complete disrespect. We only have a no-poo composting toilet and have only had one incident which was very unpleasant to deal with but think it was one of our special needs group. We have lots of notices up around the site but they are mostly ignored, famously 'the wash your cups' and '10p for a cuppa' ones. I don't know the answer but sympathise with your problems   

Our ladies toilets are ok but the mens is grim. I honestly don't know how they get it so grotty. The rim on the top of the bowl is always filthy. I  don't use the mens. I see it when I clean them .The notices are there but they don't see them

 

What about a sniffer dog who could track back from the deposits to their source?   

On a more serious note, I worked in an office where we had a similar problem and it took sometime to keep inspecting the toilets until we found the culprit and have a quiet word with them.   You may find the problem occurs at a particular time of day so then it becomes easier.  Rather more difficult on allotments when there are not people around all the time.   

My suggestion other would be to provide plastic gloves.  Persuade everyone to grab a pair when they fill up with petrol.   As far as I remember our culprit did not like touching the loo brush handle.

This is saddening to read. I can only echo what the others have said.
Sometimes on caravan club sites we end up brushing the toilets out before we use them, ( they are immaculate when the wardens have cleaned them BTW)
Having no facilities like this on our site I thought that you were so lucky in Birmingham to have these luxury's- unfortunately it seems not everyone sees it the same. I would suggest that you discuss this at committee meeting and either set up a discreet surveillance with the committee members rotating so not just one person, or put up a big notice to say the toilets will be closed for one month and if this behaviour continues after not re-opened.
I've cleaned up S**t for a living for nearly 30 years but only 'cos I get paid, no way would I do it for free- you are volunteers and should be treated with respect.

I was gonna suggest closing the toilet too. let them do with out it for a while, esp being as it is the ladies, more awkward for a lady to go somewhere else!
My other idea was to have a key on a massive fob. Then users have to ask for they key. Toilet could the be inspected after every use. Downside of that is someone would need to be there a lot of the time. They used to do it in a pub here, had to ask at the bar, and they give you the key on a fob (a piece of ply 6x4") with the word loo wrote on.
But did keep the toilet nice.
Could also take away loo roll and towels. If your going to the allotment, you need to remember to take your own. Less likely to put their own stuff down the bog.

What on earth is the matter with people? one spoiling it for the rest again.

I'd close the toilets down and then when people asked what was going on I'd explain what has happened and then offer them a key for their own use.  That way you would whittle it down to a certain number of people if the problem arose again.  I'd also charge them for the cutting of the key.

Personally I would close the toilets for a good while but I'm right next to them and don't want to be clearing stuff off my plot.  The key fob idea would be good except when we used one at a mental health centre people (me mainly) either forgot to hand it back or left it inside the bathroom locking the door behind me.  Makes one wonder what they are like at home - think that about some of my work colleagues as well due to the state they leave the kitchen in.

Many allotments up and down the country do not have any amenities, not even water.

Those who do, don't know just how lucky they are.  It is a shame, they don't appreciate their facilities.

I bet you have an idea of who is the culprit. Next time you are on site and see them, nip in the hut and stretch a sheet of cling film across the bog. They will soon get the message.

I to would shut them and post a notice TOILETS CLOSED DUE TO LACK OF VOLENTEERS WHO WISH TO CLEAN UP AFTER DIRTY PIG WHO LIKES TO CRAP ON THE SEAT AND BLOCK TOILET WITH PAPER TOWELS

Think I have solved the mystery.  Unsupervised children having a bit of "fun".  Sadly the parents don't bother to supervise them whilst on site as they probably considered a safe area for them to play in and are far to busy to notice them running around over plots etc.  I have noticed that they don't play on my plot when I am around.  I have passed this on to the secretary and suggested that a new sign be put up reminding parents of their responsibilities.

sadly this kind of thing is not uncommon. I can recall:
- signage in toilets at a major UK bank asking people not to empty their nose on the walls
- yards and yards of loo roll stuffed down the pan, causing overflow (repeatedly)
- Mr "Whirly Splat" treatment (copyright Ben Elton I believe)
- logs that won't flush even  when hit with a stick. (but no loo roll, go figure)

eek

The committee have now changed the lock on the toilets and a notice has been put up explaining why and also asking for a volunteer to clean up the mess.  Expecting a load of complaints though.  Funny there are always complaints about "the committee don't do anything" but not many plotholders help.