One of the biggest moans people have about Brighton is that when they are caught short, there are no public toilets available.

The problem is particularly acute in the city centre, where most visitors do not know there are loos hidden in the depths of Churchill Square.

Otherwise they have to go down to the Lanes car park or the grounds of the Royal Pavilion, both involving journeys of several hundred yards.

There was an era when Brighton had more than 100 toilets but those times have long gone.

Vandalism and the pounds needed to ensure people could spend a penny meant the council closed many old loos in poor condition.

Instead, it concentrated on keeping open only the best loos on level ground and with attendants.

The policy means most council loos are clean and in good condition. The problem is there simply aren't enough of them.

A cash-strapped council is unlikely to find money for new loos in the foreseeable future. But they could be provided in some new city centre developments as part of planning agreements.

Until or unless that happens, most residents and visitors in need of a pee are going to have to cross their legs or else visit a cafe or store with loos.

Too often, some of them use the streets as a lavatory instead and that shouldn't happen in a top seaside city.