Manchester is predicted to be one of the first cities in the UK to lose all its public toilets, according to a new study.
Apparently, data shows the city will have nowhere to wee for free by the time 2059 rolls around.
For some Mancs, it’s probably not a thought that crosses your mind very often, but for those with weaker bladders, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed public toilets are much thinner on the ground and a lot harder to come by these days – especially here in Manchester.
And it turns out there’s good reason for that, as our city has ranked among the top 10 UK cities that are most-likely to lose their loos within the next couple of decades.
Manchester is predicted to be one of the first UK cities to lose all its public toilets / Credit: Supplied
According to a new study carried out by bathroom specialists Victorian Plumbing, the number of public toilets in the UK has dropped from 6,087 in 2000, to just 3,990 over the last 10 years, and if it continues at this rate, the current trajectory is predicting a future where the country’s streets lack free lavatories altogether.
Experts say this would lead to a public health crisis that “disproportionately affects people with disabilities or ill health”, as well as the elderly, women, outdoor workers, and the homeless too.
The company’s research has discovered that Manchester is one of the worst-affected regions in the UK when it comes to the rapid decline in public toilets – with only seven estimated in the area currently, and a loss of 2.1% per year.
Top 10 UK cities most likely to lose their public toilets
Newcastle
Birmingham
Plymouth
Manchester
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Preston
Salford
Liverpool
Lancaster
Manchester takes the fourth spot on the list, with our fellow Greater Manchester neighbours Salford also claiming eighth place, and the rest of the top 10 list overwhelmingly featuring other northern cities like Preston, Lancaster, and Liverpool.
“It may seem like a trivial thing to worry about, but the dwindling number of public toilets speaks to a broader issue of societal neglect,” comments Brenna Ryan, from Victorian Plumbing.
Data shows the city will have nowhere to wee for free by the time 2059 rolls around / Credit: Supplied
Urging the UK Government to “take action”, Brenna added: “Every year, the number of public toilets decrease, and with it, so does our promise of a basic human right – the right to sanitation. It’s not just about answering nature’s call, but about upholding the dignity of everyone, irrespective of age, gender, or social status.”
Victorian Plumbing has now launched a petition calling on local authorities to provide public toilets by law – with more than 2,000 people and counting having put their names to it.
“It’s high time we voice our concerns, rally behind the need for accessible public toilets, and urge our Government to understand that this isn’t just about toilets, but about the dignity, health, and wellbeing of everyone,” Brenna concluded.
Salford Red Devils supporters group outline plans for the next major protest march
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils supporters trust, The 1873, have outlined details of their next major march in protest over the club’s well-publicised ownership troubles and financial crisis.
The fan group, which has mobilised on multiple occasions already this year, is set to hit the streets once again this month and in larger numbers than ever, confirming another big demonstration before their next home game this weekend.
Sharing the update with fellow Red Devils on social media, 1837 leaders are demanding “truth and accountability from the top” ahead of the peaceful protest through Salford.
They have dubbed the event ‘The Last Rally’, but we can only assume there’ll be more fan action as the weeks and possibly months of uncertainty continue.
As you can see, The 1837 are calling for like-minded supporters to rally outside another nearby amateur rugby league football team, Salford City Roosters, before marching on to a second meeting point and, ultimately, the Salford Community Stadium.
Starting in Eccles, with a stop at Barley Farm, before arriving at their club’s home ground in Barton-upon-Irwell, the plan is to gather as much awareness, support and local attention as possible.
Writing in the caption of the above post, they added: “We’ve dominated headlines. We’ve exposed bad ownership. We’ve stood together.
“A history worth fighting for. A future worth protecting. Our last chance to be heard. Don’t stay silent. Make it count.”
Following a recent meeting of the RFL and the two Greater Manchester Mayors, Andy Burnham and Paul Dennett, Salford Red Devils were given somewhat of an even further stay of execution, as it was confirmed that their ‘winding up’/administration deadline has now been adjourned until October.
Nevertheless, the majority of fans are still being kept in the dark about the exact and up-to-date nature of their rugby league club’s situation at present.
Back in June, it looked like new investors could very well still be injecting vital funds to keep key players and staff on the books, but jump to now, and it looks like they don’t know if even things like the big screen even belong to them much longer.
Salford Red Devils aren’t just in debt – our very identity is up for grabs.
The badge. The name. Even the big screen. All signed off as collateral to financiers.
Once again, the march and peaceful protest will take place this Friday, 19 September, prior to the next fixture against Wakefield Trinity.
Getting points on the board will no doubt be a big plus for all, but the game looks like it will very much serve as the backdrop to the wider ongoing saga.
Are you a Red Devils fan, and if so, will you be attending the demonstration? Better still, even if not, what do you make of the circumstances surrounding your side at the moment?
Fantastic to see the fans turn out again, Salford Red Devils will never die 1873 👹🏉 pic.twitter.com/Gne5peQK6u
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever
Emily Sergeant
The Christmas countdown has officially begun, and there’s a new tipple on the scene to help celebrate.
That’s right – two of the UK’s most beloved treats, Baileys and Terry’s, has dropped the ultimate collaboration and it’s launching 100 days before the big day arrives, gearing up to be the Christmas tipple of choice for chocolate orange lovers.
Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange is a limited-edition treat blending the distinctive taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream with flavours of chocolate and zesty orange.
It’s fair to say that Baileys and Terry’s Chocolate Orange are both beloved staples once the festive season rolls around, with each having taken on various different variations over the years, combining new flavour profiles to create delicious treats.
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever / Credit: Baileys & Tom Harrison
But surprisingly, this is the first time the two brands have come together for a one-of-a-kind collaboration.
This new collaboration between the two iconic Christmas brands is inspired by the season’s most quintessential flavours.
“For generations, Terry’s Chocolate Orange has been a staple of the Christmas season, so partnering with Baileys is an exciting way to reimagine that tradition in a new and indulgent form,” commented Lorène Decam, who is the Senior Marketing Manager at Terry’s.
“We can’t wait to see fans enjoying this irresistible treat in the run-up to and during the holidays.”
Rolling out nationwide from tomorrow (16 September), Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange will come in 50cl bottles with a 17% ABV and will likely set shoppers back £11 each when they get it from leading retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, and Co-op.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd November 2023 
