Our disappearing "loos"

Atarah · 02-07-2004, 08:19

There is a poem in the Observer today about the disappearing loos of Accrington. Some are named i.e. Edgar Street, Manchester Road, Blackburn Road, Queens Road West. Any of you out there remember any of them?
Here are a couple some of you may recall

The first one shows the "round" one that used to be in Union Street, designed by an Accrington man (photo thanks to Owd Bert)

The second, not very clear, showing Woolworths. If you look carefully, you can see the entrance to the Mens loos, which were down steps. The Ladies entrance was a little higher up the street, almost opposite to where Andys Florists is. When the toilets belonging to the Umbrella market opened, they closed the Dutton Street ones, and just piled rubble into them to level them off before tarmacing the road

Ceejache · 02-07-2004, 09:06

I loved the 'circle' toilets as a child (to look at, not hanging around in...). That will be Platt Saco Lowell in the background?

janet · 02-07-2004, 12:05

Would it be in the 60's that the toilets in Dutton street dissapeared.

Atarah · 02-07-2004, 16:00

Hi Janet, yes it was. Not sure of the exact date, have it somewhere, but not got around to looking yet, but . ....I will do!

Tealeaf · 02-07-2004, 16:13

I think it was 1962 when they built the "old" New Market with it's new loos.

lettie · 02-07-2004, 16:33

I remember the circular toilets I'm afraid the other one was before my time. At least we haven't got one of these yet, but with HBC anything is possible!!!

A loo with a view...

Tealeaf · 02-07-2004, 16:39

Someone did'nt flush the toilet properly.

Ceejache · 02-07-2004, 16:41

Nice one Lettie! I have to say that I would be JUST A BIT wary of using one of those! One can only imagine what the voyeuristic types would get up to in there.....!

Tealeaf · 02-07-2004, 16:46

I bet it costs more than 20p to use one of those things

Weary Tourist · 02-07-2004, 19:58

Now here is an interesting site....
http://www.cromwell-intl.com/toilet/
There are some interesting pictures taken of toilets he has encountered whilst on his travels.

However my favourite loo is the last one on this page
http://www.lpf.com/adventure/toilets/

WillowTheWhisp · 02-07-2004, 22:43

I remember the loos in Dutton Street. They had thick glass tiles on top to let light in but you could also walk over them.

lettie · 03-07-2004, 00:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf

I bet it costs more than 20p to use one of those things

Probably about a quid!!!!

Atarah · 03-07-2004, 19:59

Found this, might help you visualise where the entrance to the underground toilets was. Not the best of photographs, but you can see the Town Hall so that should help get "your bearings". Will look out for some more photos.

Atarah · 03-07-2004, 20:04

These two were taken in Oak Hill Park. The first one of course now demolished, this was near the Manchester Road side of the park. The second one no longer in use, this is by the lower entrance in Hollins Lane. Fine buildings, aren't they?

WillowTheWhisp · 03-07-2004, 20:28

I knew there used to be loos in Oakhill Park. What a shame there aren't any now. It's crazy if you go there for a music festival or something and you are miles from town centre. Can't remember if they have portaloos for things like that but I do recall being there with kids who "need a weewee" and having to head back to town centre.