Hyde Park loo transformed into hell hole to mark World Toilet Day

One of London’s most popular public toilets was transformed beyond all recognition to mark World Toilet Day, to resemble some of the most hellish loos on earth.

Life without a proper toilet is a reality for 2.5 billion people in the developing world and, for one morning only, members of the public were invited to see for themselves the kind of squalid environment that billions across Africa and Asia live with every day.
 
To raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis, international charity WaterAid and award-winning ad director Kit Lynch-Robinson created a chilling scene in the Hyde Park Corner men’s toilets – complete with rubbish dump, maggots, rusted pipes, a stagnant stream and a unique toilet scent, Eau de Toilet.

Barbara Frost, Chief Executive of WaterAid said: “Here in the UK we tend to take our loos for granted – but imagine not having one at all.

"A lack of toilets not only kills 4,000 children every day in the developing world, but keeps kids out of school, puts a massive strain on health systems and hampers economic prosperity."

Members of the public were able to experience the paradox between the above-ground world of London’s beautiful Hyde Park and the loos below, as two very different worlds were brought together.

The transformation took place to support WaterAid’s ‘Loo’ve Been Framed’ campaign which has attracted support from some of the UK’s best-loved celebrities.

High profile supporters Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, Ewan McGregor and former EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing star Ricky Groves have all taken a picture of their toilet to highlight the campaign which calls on UK politicians to prioritise water and sanitation in the world’s poorest countries.

Dave Sear, from Westminster council's environment department, said: "It was really shocking to see our normally immaculate toilets transformed in this way. It makes you realise just how lucky we are in this country as we just take it for granted that we have clean and safe facilities. The brown slurry looked absolutely disgusting but I believe it was just a mixture of mud and sand.

"I never thought I'd see anything like this in my life, and I really wouldn't want to see the real thing as this was unpleasant enough. But I am glad we've been able to play our part in helping to promote such an important issue."

To find out more about Loo’ve Been Framed and to add your support to the campaign, visit www.wateraid.org/stink