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Man upset by bus driver toilet outside his home

BBC Brett Kemp, a man in his 50s, standing next to a tall grey shed that houses a toilet, erected for the convenience of bus drivers. His arms are folded and he looks cross.BBC
Brett Kemp believes potential house-buyers are discouraged by the toilet

A homeowner in south London has complained after Transport for London (TfL) erected a toilet for bus drivers outside his house.

Brett Kemp, who is trying to sell the property, said the temporary lavatory was putting off potential buyers.

TfL said it was an "interim measure" and it was working with Croydon Council to find an alternative location for a permanent facility.

But Mr Kemp said it should never have been placed so close to his home.

Brett Kemp, a man in his 50s, standing next to a tall grey shed that houses a toilet, erected for the convenience of bus drivers. His arms are folded and he looks cross.
Mr Kemp is unimpressed by the bus driver lavatory outside his home

The toilet was originally in a more temporary-looking structure, Mr Kemp said, with the door opening on the side facing his house, which is at the end of a route in Purley.

The current shed has been placed so the entrance is now on the far side.

Mr Kemp acknowledged the importance of facilities for bus drivers but suggested the toilet could be placed further away from the residential area and school opposite.

A turning circle a little further down the road would be more suitable, Mr Kemp suggested, but rules about green-belt land could make it difficult.

View from window showing a fence and the toilet on the other side
Mr Kemp can see the lavatory from his first-floor window

A spokesperson for TfL said: “It’s really important that bus drivers are able to access toilet facilities while working and these play a vital role in enabling everyone to travel safely.

"We are always mindful of local residents when we install these facilities and choose locations near the end of a bus route that are most appropriate, taking into account the need for access to pavements to be maintained.

"This is a temporary facility installed as an interim measure while a permanent location can be identified and TfL is currently working with Croydon Council to investigate the possibility of moving the temporary facility or building a permanent facility at a different nearby location.”

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