Dignity 'flushed away' in sanitary bin ban row

Public toilets at a seaside town in south Devon are at the centre of a row over what campaigners call people's dignity and hygiene.

Becci Hey has been installing sanitary bins in Hope Cove's public toilets for the past two years, supported by harbour master Sean Hassall and other community members.

But their efforts to address what they described as a serious gap in public health provision have been thwarted by South Hams District Council, which has removed the bins.

The council said it recognised campaigners' "good intentions" but "no-one approached the council to discuss their installation before their placement".

Ms Hey said the people's dignity was being "flushed away" in the battle over bins.

"People should feel safe using those toilets in an environment where they can manage their periods with dignity," she said.

"It's a massive moral issue. I feel the council is not treating service-users with the dignity and respect they deserve."

The authority said in a statement: "We completely recognise the community had good intentions by placing bins within our public toilets for sanitary use.

"However, no-one approached the council to discuss their installation before their placement.

"We need to ensure we operate and dispose of waste in a safe and legal manner, therefore we will now carry out a review of this matter."

Ms Hey disputes the council's reasoning.

"Sanitary waste isn't clinical waste. It's classified as non-hazardous and can be disposed of in household bins," she said.

East Devon, North Devon and Torbay councils all confirmed that they provided sanitary bins in their women's public toilets.

"At the height of the season, hundreds of people use these toilets," said Ms Hey.

"With no proper disposal facilities, hygiene was dire. Products were being left on the floor, behind toilets, even on sinks."

Harbourmaster Sean Hassall said: "Since the bins went in, we don't get blocked toilets at all.

"It saves the council money and keeps our toilets nice."

The campaign has now gained national backing from Prostate Cancer UK, which is calling for sanitary bins in all public toilets through its Boys Need Bins campaign.

"There is a really high need for them in men's toilets," said Nick Ridgman, head of support services at Prostate Cancer UK.

"One in three men over 65 experience some level of urinary incontinence, and many men with prostate cancer need to use pads or other products.

"Without bins, they're forced to carry soiled items around, or even go into women's toilets to dispose of them.

"It's not acceptable and it stops men from living their best lives."

Despite the council's claim that no-one approached it before installing the bins, Mr Hassall disputes that.

He said: "The council do know we've got bins in there. They know we've got our own hand soap in there. Becci even puts flowers in the ladies' toilets. We go above and beyond."

The community has also been providing free sanitary products to support those in need.

"When people come down, they're amazed," said Mr Hassall.

"People are so pleased, they often put a contribution in the lifeboat fund."

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