THE problem of public urination has become more prominent since the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Brighton and Hove City Council said the issue had been "intensified" by the reopening of food, drink and alcohol takeaway services, "especially those on the lower promenade at Kings Road Arches".

This comes after large numbers flocked to the beach this week as a spell of warm weather washed over the city.

Argus readers contacted the paper to say that the problem of public urination could be the result of public toilets being shut during the lockdown - with a large concentration of people on the seafront having nowhere to relieve themselves.

One reader said: "I was walking along Gloucester Street and there was a man leaning against a recycling bin.

"At first I wondered if he was alright, but then I quickly realised he was having a wee.

"As I walked past with my partner, I thought he might try and be more discreet.

"But he just said, 'This is Brighton'."

Brighton and Hove City Council is now acting to tackle this issue.

A spokesman said: "There is no doubt that part of the attraction for people to visit the seafront and beach is due to many premises now offering take away food, soft drinks and alcohol, especially those on the lower promenade at Kings Road Arches.

"This is exacerbating the issues of crowding and groups gathering, in direct contravention of the legislation and government’s guidelines on physical distancing. This is also intensifying public nuisance, urination and littering issues.

"With this in mind, we’re taking action to address the problems we’re seeing."

The authority has provided a list of toilets which are open for use in the city:

  • King Alfred (including RADAR accessible toilets) – open from 8am to 8pm
  • Park Road, Rottingdean – open from 8am to 4pm
  • Royal Pavilion Gardens – open from 8am to 8pm
  • Stanmer Village – open from 8am to 8pm
  • The Level (including RADAR accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities) – open from 8am to 8pm
  • Station Road, Portslade - open from 8am to 6pm
  • Western Esplanade - open from 8am to 8pm
  • Lower Prom at West Street - open from 8am to 8pm
  • Colonnade - open from 8am to 8pm
  • Preston Park Chalet - open from 8am to 8pm
  • St Ann's Well Gardens - open from 8am to 8pm
  • Ovingdean Undercliff - open from 8am to 4pm

The council is also planning to open more public toilets on Monday:

  • Aldrington Rec - open from 8am to 8pm
  • Black Rock - open 8am to 8pm
  • Blakers Park - open 8am to 6pm
  • Dyke Road Park - open 8am to 6pm
  • Goldstone Villas - open 8am to 10pm
  • Hove Cemetery South - cemetery open hours
  • Hove Park - open 8am to 8pm
  • Lawn Memorial Cemetery - cemetery opening hours
  • Rottingdean Undercliff - open 8am to 8pm
  • Saltdean Oval - open 8am to 6pm
  • Vale Park - open 8am to 6pm

On the closure of some toilets in the city, a council spokesman said: "The decision to close some of the toilets followed increasing difficulties to maintain them in a safe manner. This included increased anti-social behaviour, vandalism and theft, in addition to issues managing overcrowding.

"We are keeping this under review and will reopen more toilets as soon as we can do so safely.

Today, he added: "We also need to remind people that there are fewer toilets for them to use as government guidelines only permit businesses to operate on a takeaway basis – and this does not include accessing seating or toilet facilities.

"We are opening public toilets where possible but capacity is limited and these are likely to become over-used and over-run if people continue to flock to our beaches."

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund