Don't let Whitton become an open sewer on rugby match days, Twickenham bosses are told

More toilets have been demanded to prevent rugby fans urinating in Whitton's driveways during match days at Twickenham Stadium.

Councillors in Whitton appealed to the Rugby Football Union (RFU) this week ahead of a run of five internationals in as many weeks at the venue.

Councillor John Coombs, Liberal Democrat member for Whitton, said: "With more and more rugby fans using Whitton station to get to Twickenham Stadium, it is imperative the RFU doesn’t neglect Whitton when it comes to making sure the right facilities are in place.

"There is always a lack of toilet facilities and staff at Whitton station in the run up to the games and, importantly, as rugby fans leave the ground once the game is over.

"Local residents are always left cleaning up the mess, including people urinating in driveways and on the grass at the station."

The Barbarians are due to take on Australia at Twickenham tomorrow in the first of five November internationals at the stadium.

The stadium will also host 10 matches, including both semis and the final, during the Rugby World Cup next September and October - four of which will be evening kick-offs.

An RFU spokeswoman said: "The RFU is committed to maintaining a safe and clean environment for local residents on match days at Twickenham Stadium.

"The RFU works closely with residents, local councillors, police and transport providers, coordinating regular committee briefings to discuss and address concerns in an open forum and ensure there are minimal impacts for local residents on match days.

"We recognise the importance of Whitton as an access point for fans on match day and we have recently agreed to contribute £450,000 to the upgrade of Whitton Station and its facilities in partnership with Network Rail and Richmond Council."

Police in Richmond said they deployed additional officers on match days to target public urination.

Police also said they worked closely with the council and rugby chiefs, who they understand are reviewing the number of toilets hired for international matches.

Chief Inspector Graham Simpson, of Richmond Police, added: "We undertake partnership working prior to rugby days and debriefs are held after each match. We have officers deployed from the rugby stadium in Twickenham to the train station, along Whitton Road. They will respond to matters of anti-social behaviour which includes those who are urinating."

Councillors also demanded to know when work will begin on promised improvements to Whitton station, including a new footbridge and lifts.

A spokeswoman for the South West Trains and Network Rail alliance said: "We are currently working to develop plans to enhance passenger facilities at Whitton station over the next five years and are investigating which elements can be delivered by the Rugby World Cup.

"Twickenham station is the closest and primary station for passengers travelling to watch the rugby, with station staff trained to deal with the high influx of passengers on match days."

* The RFU asked anybody with concerns about match day operations to contact it directly. It said all community information was available at http://www.englandrugby.com/twickenham/twickenham-community-information