Your problems solved | 22 September 2007

I work in an office where the loo is shared by three separate professions — all rather civilised ones, at that.

Q. I work in an office where the loo is shared by three separate professions — all rather civilised ones, at that. However, we are not money-makers, and therefore cannot afford a cleaner. And yet, despite my efforts to make people aware of the mess they create, I have found that again and again it is my office which buys the cleaning fluids, cleans the loo, empties the over-flowing bins and so on. How, Mary, can I make the others share the burden?

Name and address withheld

A. Start by researching a cleaning service which will perform this function for a fee. Ask for a written quotation. Armed with this document approach your two civilised co-occupees to inquire whether they would like to each contribute one third of the costs. Stage One: if they protest that the fee is too high, and undoubtedly it will be, proceed immediately to Stage Two. In the unlikely event that they agree, return later in the day to say that on thinking it through, you have to admit that you have had second thoughts. Not only are the costs absurdly high but the security risks of allowing cleaners free run of the premises are too great. Then go to Stage Three: suggest instead an alphabetically ordered monthly rota with a notice positioned at eye level opposite the loo to remind users which firm is responsible for cleaning that month. This name and shame tactic is certain to be effective. You may even see competitive cleaning.

Q. Last week I went to a book launch in the House of Lords to celebrate publication of the new life of Pugin by Rosemary Hill.