Whiffy loos and non-existent toilet paper are the scourge of both schools and schoolchildren, a conference was told yesterday. The 2005 World Toilet Summit (yes, there is such a thing!), which convened in Belfast, found that children are suffering stress and anxiety as a result of having to deal with revolting toilet facilities in their school.

Studies of British schools showed that up to 72% of pupils were reluctant to use school toilets. 45% reported a lack of toilet paper and a further 40% said there was a lack of soap. A sorry 8% of schools reported no lavatory paper at all!

'We desperately need to improve standards,' said Professor David Uzzelly. 'A significant number of children refuse to use school toilets because of the poorly maintained and unhygienic facilities. There is an increased risk of urinary tract infections and constipation. They can also cause psychological problems. Pupils become anxious or embarrassed if they don't want to go because the lavatories are in such a poor condition.'

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