ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

A group of local businesses in south London is triallng a new splashback wall coating designed to deter street urination and keep the town clean.

The Brixton Business Improvement District (BID), a not-for-profit collective of 650 local firms, has commissioned provider of specialist protectant sprays Liquiproof to coat walls in Brixton town centre with a super-hydrophobic treatment.

The treated walls will now splash back urine if it hits the wall, covering the culprits' shoes and clothes instead of local buildings and walls.

Brixton has long had a problem with street urination - the precise locations of the treated walls are a closely-guarded secret but if the treatment is successful it will be rolled out around the area.

This test is part of a wider strategy to raise awareness about the street urination problem and lobby for more public toilets and enforcement. The BID, which is working closely with Lambeth Council and protectant provider Liquiproof, is already investing in additional street cleaning every weekend.

Gianluca Rizzo, Brixton BID operations manager said: "The BID is already delivering a range of benefits to the town centre by providing additional policing, cleaning, and greening.

"We are now tackling issues such as air quality, litter and street urination. This splashback wall coating is a deterrent which lets people know we want to keep Brixton bright, clean and safe for everybody to enjoy."