Campaigners fighting for more public toilets in the borough have hit out at plans to omit facilities from a new major bus terminus in Edmonton Green.

Enfield Borough Over 50s Forum is lobbying Transport for London (TfL), Enfield Council and developer St Modwen to provide toilet facilities at a round-the-clock 26-stand bus station, to be built next year.

Reluctance to provide the toilets centres on cost, maintenance and availability of space.

The forum is stepping up the pressure for more public conveniences around the borough after a survey revealed a lack of provision is damaging quality of life for the elderly.

The study, carried out by the forum, reveals of the 400 people interviewed, 64 per cent, many who suffer from prostate problems and bladder weakness, were deterred from shopping for fear of being caught short.

Forum chairman Monty Meth said: "It is a scandal that in this day and age a new 26-stand bus station open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, can open without toilets.

"What will it come to people going to the toilet in the street?"

Mr Meth has written to a transport watchdog which represents London transport users to ask for its support.

The subject has also been raised at a meeting of the council's special projects scrutiny panel.

The new bus terminus, which will turn Edmonton into a north London transport hub, is being built as part of Edmonton Green's £53million regeneration project, including new shops, plush apartments and a leisure centre.

Toilets within the shopping centre are to receive a £150,000 facelift as part of the plan, but will not be available to bus station users.

Meanwhile, St Modwen asset manager Colin McQueston said: "There have been discussions about providing toilets at the bus station and we are more than happy to meet TfL and the council to work out provision."

A council spokesman added: "The council wants to see toilets provided at the bus station and we are working with TfL and the developer to find a way to make this happen."

A TfL spokeswoman said: "We are expected to be involved in talks."