Like many public toilets during the Covid-19 pandemic, the WC at Tattenham Corner, on the edge of Epsom Downs, was closed by authorities amid public health concerns about transmitting the virus.

The pandemic has not gone away by any stretch of the imagination, though most of the restrictions associated with it have been rolled back.

Yet the Tattenham Corner public toilets remain closed, much to the annoyance of some residents in the area who previously relied on them.

"I do a lot of walking up there and play golf there... we're having to use the bushes basically! That's the problem," One regular visitor to the downs told the Epsom Comet.

"They've been closed since lockdown, despite the government advising public toilets should be open since June 2020!"

The source referenced a letter to councils authored by Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Simon Clarke MP, who wrote in June 2020:

"(E)nabling residents to access toilets safely is vital. Handwashing is an important activity to help prevent the spread of the virus. Closed toilets may also impact disproportionately on certain groups who for health reasons rely on access to public toilets to be able to leave their homes. They can also make life difficult for young families and people who work outside...If you have toilets that are still shut, then we strongly urge you to refer to advice on measures that can be taken to open toilets in a safe way that was included in COVID-19 guidance published by Government..."

The Epsom Comet approached Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) about the issue.

A spokesperson said: "The public toilets on Epsom Downs are currently closed until further notice. A decision on the toilets is scheduled to be discussed at the next Epsom and Walton Downs Conservators meeting on 8 November. "

For those who rely on the toilets, though, that may not be soon enough. 

"I know they are talking about anti-social behaviour and I think they are using that as an excuse," a walker on the downs told the Epsom Comet.

"It's not very nice to be going into the bushes for anybody's point of view to be honest," they added. "People with medical reasons need something available too. It's generating unsanitary conditions and rubbish which can only get worse as time goes on..."