British Toilet Association: Archived News from the British Toilet Association 

Paignton Zoo is the Place to Go - Wins Loo of the Year Award

Paignton, UK - Paignton Zoo Environmental Park has won an award – for its toilets.

The Zoo – a registered charity - has been awarded the top grade of 5 stars in the national Loo of the Year Awards.
Kevin Frediani, Curator of Plants and Gardens, who oversees the cleaning team, said: “People might expect Paignton Zoo to be thinking more about endangered species than clean toilets, but as a top attraction we have to look after the basic needs of our visitors. Poor toilet facilities can take the shine off a great day out. We are only the second zoo ever to gain such an accolade!”

Paignton Zoo has been nominated for a national award in the Parks & Gardens category. Winners are announced at the Loo of the Year Awards Presentation Event on 2nd December. Shopping centres, restaurants, schools and public buildings were among last year’s five star winners.

The Paignton Zoo cleaning team - supervisor Andrew Hart and cleaners John Lount, Susan Ball and Andrew Timpson – look after the Zoo’s ten public toilets as well as various offices scattered through the 80 acre grounds. Kevin: “It’s good to get formal recognition for this crucial but often overlooked service – especially as this was the first time we had entered.”

Since their introduction in 1987, the annual Loo of the Year Awards have helped focus the spotlight on 'away from home' toilets throughout the UK. The awards aim to encourage the highest standards in all types of public toilets.

Toilets are judged on signage and communication, décor and maintenance, fixtures, cleanliness, equipment, air quality, changing facilities and customer care. All entries receive a grading, ranging from 1 to 5 stars, following an unannounced visit by a Loo of the Year Awards inspector.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring 0844 474 2222.

By Philip Knowling
Zoo & Aquarium Visitor magazine 31 October 2011