A MAP of publicly available accessible toilets shows dozens of in Southend and Basildon, as campaigners call for better facilities for those living with disabilities.

The Great British Public Toilet Map tracks publicly available toilets using crowd-sourced information from users and data from councils and other organisations.

It only logs free-to-use toilets which the public can use without having to ask – so “customers only” loos are excluded.

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Analysis of the figures by QS Supplies, a bathroom supplier, shows there are 52 publicly available toilets in Southend – 26 of which are accessible to those with disabilities.

It also shows there are 23 publicly available toilets in Basildon – 12 of which are accessible to those with disabilities.

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As these figures are largely based on submissions from the public, they may not reflect the full range of facilities available in the area.

Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Crohn's and Colitis UK, said: “We know that nine in 10 people with the conditions plan their journeys based on access to toilets.

“This is increasingly challenging and isolating as the number of public toilets declines.

“The fear of being caught short and unable to access a public toilet when required means many people are confined to their homes.

“More awareness and understanding will improve the lives of people living with Crohn’s and Colitis to make sure they aren’t hidden at home – they’re out and about, living life to the fullest.”

More than 500,000 across the UK suffer from these conditions.

Across the East of England, 260 of 871, 29.9 per cent, public toilets are accessible.

And across England, the South East has the highest proportion of accessible toilets, with 45.6 per cent, while the West Midlands has the lowest, with just 22.9 per cent.

To see the map, visit https://www.toiletmap.org.uk/