Just one person is responsible for looking after all of Trafford's public toilets - and they only work Monday to Friday.
That's the stark picture painted by Altrincham councillor Geraldine Coggins, who has brought a motion to Trafford Council demanding urgent action on the borough's toilet provision.
The Green Party councillor says the lack of cover during evenings, weekends and bank holidays has forced volunteers to step in at parks across Trafford, opening and cleaning toilets themselves just to keep them usable.
Coggins, who represents Altrincham ward, says even holiday and sickness cover for the single member of staff is "hit and miss".
A total of 10 parks now rely on volunteers or local cafes to keep their toilet facilities running, including John Leigh Park, Stamford Park, Walton, Worthington, Woodheyes, Chasen, Ashton, Davyhulme, Victoria and Longford parks.
"This is a really important issue for so many residents," Coggins said. "We all need toilets when we are out and about. Older people are particularly affected, as are people with particular health conditions. Taxi drivers, truckers, delivery drivers and others who travel for their work are also affected."
The motion calls on the government to create a legal requirement for councils to provide ring-fenced funding for public toilets, including money to cover cleaning and maintenance of existing facilities.
The Greens are also pressing Trafford Council to work with large venues to improve toilet access on event days, noting that some areas are particularly affected during major matches and events.
"The council needs to work with the venues in the area to give decent facilities, and keep the area clean for local residents," Coggins added. "It is really shocking that it isn't mandatory for national or local government to provide this essential service."
The motion also calls for audits to better understand local toilet access needs, something Coggins says has already been carried out effectively in Altrincham.
She is urging the council to deliver on commitments made in 2018 to introduce a community toilet scheme allowing people to use facilities without having to make a purchase.
Raymond Martin, Managing Director of the British Toilet Association, backed the calls for action.
"Publicly accessible toilets are an essential piece of infrastructure in every village, town and city," he said. "They support public health and wellbeing, social inclusion, equality and public dignity. They also contribute greatly to the local economy by supporting local shops and traders, and are a relief to all types of transient workers."
Martin added that the British Toilet Association is working with government to introduce new legislation and funding to help councils improve public toilet provision.
