Splashback paint could be used to stop Soho becoming 'alfresco loo'

Splashback paint could be put all over Soho to stop people from going to the toilet in the street.

The council is considering the move following complaints from local people who say the area's being used like an al fresco loo.

In the past, the issue of public urination has got so bad that partygoers have peed through Soho residents’ letterboxes.

Soho Society Chairman Tim Lord said:

“I think for those residents, whose houses do get urinated on, it’s sort of a bit of payback. There are hundreds of drunk people who meet at pubs in Soho. It’s extraordinary we don’t have more public toilets in Soho. On Houston Street residents just get people urinating on their doors. It’s awful.”

One Soho trader was previously forced to clear up human faeces and used condoms twice a day as so many people went to the loo next to his market stall.

In 2021, Robin Smith, who runs Soho Dairy in Berwick Street Market, had to wash down the street near his stall every morning as it was covered in human excrement. Robin said:

“Every morning you have to stand in a puddle of p***. The stench is all around you.

We get used to it in summer because it’s become so normal. It’s unfortunate to the extreme. It’s an al fresco loo.”

The council is spending £20,000 on toilets in Soho from Thursday to Sunday to try and keep the West End clean, according to the Soho Society.

"Splashback paint gives inconsiderate visitors a nasty surprise"

Westminster City Council deputy leader Aicha Less said: 

“Residents and businesses are fed up. We’re taking action to stop people using alleyways or doorways as a toilet.

“Splashback paint gives inconsiderate visitors a nasty surprise. Some would say it’s karma, it’s certainly a deterrent. The ingenious paint is one of a number of steps we are taking to discourage people from relieving themselves in public or on private property.

“With more people enjoying Soho and the West End in the lead up to Christmas, we are also installing urinals and portaloos across the West End from Thursday to Monday.  

“If people are caught short after a night out, I encourage visitors to use the public toilets around Soho and Westminster instead of using alleyways or side streets. Opening hours and locations for public toilets can be found on our website. People caught peeing inconsiderately face a fine of up to £100.”

The council is currently refurbishing underground toilets at Carnaby Street, Parliament Square.

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