Fasina recalled asking people in the town where the nearest toilets were, but said he was “surprised” that no-one seemed to know.
He said that “the idea started from my own frustration” and that “getting the data and getting the app together wasn’t really easy”.
“I looked at public data online – different council data mashed up with latitude and longitude, open source data and put it together,” he said.
“One of the challenges was the accuracy and completeness of the data.
“I’ve had people say there are toilets listed on the app that are closed, they’re not open, the opening hours are different, they’re not clean, they’re not well looked after.”
Fasina said he is looking to partner with local councils to make the app more accurate.
“But there is a lot of positive feedback so that’s what’s keeping me going with the project,” he added.
“It’s really surprising to me that a lot of people are searching – a project that I just started in my own room and it makes me know that this is a serious problem.”
In Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch there are 30 toilet blocks along 15 miles of seafront, and the council said each of them is cleaned at least three times daily.
A council spokesperson added: “There are occasions when unforeseen circumstances arise, including mechanical failures, misuse, or vandalism.
“We have a wide network of free, accessible toilets across the BCP area and remain committed to providing this essential service for both residents and visitors.”
Leave a comment