Guides say Big Ben is often first on the list for tourists

Blue Badge Guides say they have been receiving complaints about the charge introduced for three public toilets in the tourist hot spot two months ago.

The guides say it makes it an unpopular spot for tourists and school trips.

Westminster Council said the �236,000 a year saving from contracting out the toilets will be passed to the taxpayer.

Council spokeswoman Dr Leith Penny said 30 public toilets had been leased out - all in tourist hotspots - to operators who will be investing "substantial sums" in the facilities.

'Short-sighted policy'

Blue Badge Guides who work in the area described the move as a "backward step" and fear people will start defacing the streets because they cannot afford the fee.

Simon Rodway, Blue Badge Guide, said the move penalised women and tourists in particular.

He said as a guide it makes it an unfavourable place to take tourists as there is nowhere people can go to the toilet easily.

Fellow Blue Badge Guide Eileen Cox described the contracting out of toilets as a "short-sighted policy that will bring discomfort and expense to thousands".