PENSIONERS have spoken out over the closure of public toilets in the borough with some claiming to be prisoners in their own homes.

The number of public conveniences throughout Redbridge has dropped to just 16 and many older people are afraid to leave their homes for fear of being caught short.

Retired tailor Ralph Royce, 79, of Lyndhurst Gardens, South Woodford, said he is a virtual prisoner in his home due to the lack of public facilities.

He added: “There should be many more and it’s an absolute disgrace. When I was a young kid in the East End there were toilets everywhere but now they all seem to have disappeared.

“Of course if there were toilets, I would go out more as when you are a little bit incontinent it’s hard to leave the house.

“If they let us use restaurants it would be better than nothing as it’s a basic thing and the older you get the more you need them.”

Chris Wilson, chairman of Redbridge Pensioners Forum, said he has been campaigning on this issue for many years.

He added: “It’s a real problem for us and with the Olympics coming up it is only going to get worse. Of course when you get older your bladder gets weaker but it’s not just pensioners but also mothers with children and pregnant women.

“There are some boroughs that have arrangements with restaurants so if you produce your freedom pass they let you use the facilities.”

Pamela Holmes of Help the Aged, said: “More than half of older people simply do not go out due to a lack of toilets in their area. It’s shameful.

“For those who do decide to brave it, Help the Aged has heard stories of older people not drinking so they won’t need to go to the toilet, or carrying a water jug, just in case they need it.

A council spokeswoman said: “We have been looking into the community toilet schemes.

“However, in view of the number of toilets we have currently in the borough we do not feel that there is a need for more.”