A PLEA for more toilets in Twickenham town centre on rugby days has been made by residents who are tired of people relieving themselves in the open air. Residents on Twickenham Embankment say they are suffering as there is not enough toilet provision to cater for the numbers of people who are attracted to the town's pubs on match days.

They are calling on the council, RFU and publicans to take action and provide extra toilets, to stop the area around their homes being used as an urinal.

Embankment resident Peter Payan told the Times: "The present situation is disgusting and shameful in a civilised country."

Currently, the RFU provide a number of toilets on match days and say they are in discussions with Richmond Council and the town's publicans on the matter.

Fraser Cullen, community relations at the RFU said: "The RFU is happy to be involved in any discussions with Richmond Council and Twickenham town centre publicans to see how we can help. The RFU already provides mobile toilet units in all car parks around the stadium and between the Chertsey Road and Twickenham station."

He said that the problem tends to be worse on England match days, as thousands of fans who don't even have tickets for the match are in the town's pubs all day.

"Although complaints to the council as to the RFU are rare on this issue, the RFU has responded to any concerns by providing temporary toilets in the local area. However, other than the toilets opposite Twickenham Station they have been little used," he added.

A spokesman for Richmond Council said: "We have raised this issue with the RFU, and are currently in discussions with them."