Leanne Gildea, a 32-year-old mother of two from West Derby, Liverpool, expressed her disappointment and embarrassment after being refused access to the toilets at St Johns Shopping Centre because she did not possess a bank card to pay the mandatory 35p fee. Gildea was at the shopping centre with her two young daughters, aged six and 18 months, when she faced this situation. They were initially planning a trip to a museum but changed their plans to visit Southport instead, making the shopping centre a convenient stop for a restroom break before their journey.

Upon arriving at the shopping centre's toilets, which are located adjacent to the food hall, Gildea was shocked to find that access was restricted only to those who could pay the fee with a bank card, as cash payments were not accepted. This incident highlights an ongoing debate regarding the accessibility of public facilities in commercial environments, particularly for families with young children who may require quick access to restrooms. Gildea's situation brings to light the potential challenges faced by individuals who may not have access to cashless payment methods, especially when visiting public places.

The policy of charging for toilet access, especially in shopping centres, has received criticism for being discriminatory towards certain demographics such as parents, elderly individuals, and others who may not carry cards. This incident not only illustrates the inconveniences posed by the lack of cash accessibility but also underscores the need for shopping centres to consider more inclusive practices in their facilities to accommodate all visitors, regardless of their payment methods.