SHOPS are finally open, we’ve been queuing for hours for Primark. But what if we actually need to spend a penny?

The lack of public loos open in our town centres is a real inconvenience to many and a significant health concern to others.

And while the Government has urged councils to re-open them as we gradually come out of lockdown, many remain shut over health fears.

The lack of public toilet facilities is having a particularly negative effect on those with bowel diseases, the elderly, and pregnant women.

Moira Anderson, 81, from Southend, said: “I will only shop down the road now and always make sure I use the toilet before I go.

“I am very pleased the high street shops have re-opened but I wouldn’t dream of venturing there now without the use of a nearby toilet.”

Charlotte Hallett, from Basildon, suffers from Crohn’s disease after being diagnosed at the age of 21.

She has spoken out about the added struggles she has been facing since lockdown after she was denied the use of a toilet in a supermarket and left on the floor in the doorway in excruciating pain.

Charlotte, 30, said: “I was so shocked at how many Crohn’s and colitis sufferers this has happened to and how so many people have been made to feel ashamed of asking to use a toilet in public.

“Some people admitted to wearing nappies when they go out or some not even leaving their house so they don’t have to face the rudeness of people saying no.

“So many people are unaware of the mental problems having a disability like this can have.

“Just going to do a weekly food shop takes planning. I have to make sure I go at a time of day I have not just eaten in case I get caught short or get a sudden attack.

“I have left countless trollies mid-shop because the anxiety of being out makes me vomit.

Charlotte added: “There needs to be more awareness that inflammatory bowel disease is a disease, a disability, and cannot be helped. If I was in a wheelchair I guarantee they would have let me in to use the toilet.

“We go through enough embarrassment and struggles in our daily lives without being denied the access to a toilet which in my opinion is a basic human need.”

It isn’t just public toilets being closed that is causing problems for sufferers, but also having to wait in long queues.

The charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK have devised a scheme to help sufferers who cannot simply hold the urge to go to the toilet.

Sarah Hollobone, campaigns manager at Crohn’s and Colitis UK, said: “We are calling on all retailers to support people with Crohn’s and colitis, who urgently need to use the toilet by accepting our Can’t Wait Card.

“The opening of non-essential shops is a welcome easing of lockdown for some, but for people with Crohn’s or colitis, this can mean further isolation.

“One of the main symptoms of Crohn’s and colitis is the urgent and sudden need to go for a poo, so the current long queues mean a simple trip to the shops can be a huge source of worry.

“We are asking retailers to understand that vulnerable shoppers don’t always look disabled.

“By letting someone with Crohn’s or colitis discretely show their Can’t Wait Card and skip the queue to use the toilet, shops can dramatically help improve the quality of life for people with the conditions.

“Otherwise, the consequences could be devastating. Accidents will happen in public or some people with Crohn’s or colitis will not leave the house at all, too anxious to carry out the other activities we are all gradually being allowed to do.”

Sarah is also calling for public toilets to re-open.

She, added: “In instances where toilets are not yet open, we urge local authorities, councils or shopping centres to open their public toilets as soon as they can, if social distancing measures are safely put in place.

“This will not hugely support people with Crohn’s or colitis and their physical health and mental wellbeing, but also people with other conditions that require toilet access.”

The Sunday Times reports the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: “While decisions to re-open public toilets are for councils, we strongly encourage them to open wherever possible.

“We’ve published guidance to help them ensure facilities are safe where they are open, including increasing cleaning of touch points.”