Concerns about public toilets are affecting confidence among older residents in Wimborne.
A survey organised by the Allendale Community Centre received more than 280 responses, with 6 in 10 people who took part aged 65 or over.
The findings show 45% of respondents say toilet concerns limit their ability to go out, attend events or socialise, while 42% say they have avoided visiting Wimborne or cut visits short due to worries about availability, cleanliness or accessibility.
A further 36% said they have health, mobility, continence or caring needs that make accessible toilets essential when visiting the town.
According to the centre, more than half of those who responded rated Wimborne’s public toilet facilities as poor or very poor.
One resident aged over 70 told researchers: “At my age, you plan your day around toilets. If you’re not sure you’ll find one you can use, you simply stay at home.”
The Allendale Centre says the findings highlight how access to suitable facilities can affect confidence and social contact for older residents.
The organisation plans to use the results to support funding applications aimed at refurbishing its toilet facilities to improve accessibility and ease of use.
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