This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/24/inconvenient-truths-about-devons-loos

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Inconvenient truths about Devon’s loos Inconvenient truths about Devon’s loos
(2 months later)
Toilet trouble | Potential popes | Phone bots | AI frustration | Bach translationToilet trouble | Potential popes | Phone bots | AI frustration | Bach translation
The implications of the supreme court’s gender ruling regarding toilet access (Report, 22 April) remain academic in rural Devon. Many public toilets are under lock and key due to council cuts. “Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.” Dignity now has to be preserved behind a hedge.Dr William AdamsYelverton, Devon The implications of the supreme court’s gender ruling regarding toilet access (Report, 22 April) remain academic in rural Devon. Many public toilets are under lock and key due to council cuts. “Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.” Dignity now has to be preserved behind a hedge.
Re potential successors to Pope Francis, your correspondent highlights the chances of nine men, seven of whom are aged between 67 and 79 (Report, 21 April). As someone who has just retired from the civil service aged a mere 65, I’m starting to wonder if I have gone too early.Matthew RyderSt Neots, Cambridgeshire
When I called one company to inform it of my husband’s death, the bot said: “Sorry for your loss. Can I do anything else for you” (Letters, 23 April)? Somewhat exasperated, I replied: “Yes, get me a human being to talk to”, at which point the bot said “I will”. A minute later an actual man came on the line! Ariella ListerLondon Dr William Adams
I too am frustrated with the AI (automated idiot) that attempts to replace humans for phone service. The best way to force it to transfer you to a real person is to keep asking more complicated questions until it gives up.Steen I PetersenNanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Whether Bach’s Ich Habe Genug is lyrically appropriate as hold music might be a matter of faith, but “Ich habe genug” doesn’t mean “I’ve had enough”, rather “I have enough [having Jesus as my saviour]”.Michael AytonDurham Yelverton, Devon
Re potential successors to Pope Francis, your correspondent highlights the chances of nine men, seven of whom are aged between 67 and 79 (Report, 21 April). As someone who has just retired from the civil service aged a mere 65, I’m starting to wonder if I have gone too early.
Matthew Ryder
St Neots, Cambridgeshire
When I called one company to inform it of my husband’s death, the bot said: “Sorry for your loss. Can I do anything else for you” (Letters, 23 April)? Somewhat exasperated, I replied: “Yes, get me a human being to talk to”, at which point the bot said “I will”. A minute later an actual man came on the line!
Ariella Lister
London
I too am frustrated with the AI (automated idiot) that attempts to replace humans for phone service. The best way to force it to transfer you to a real person is to keep asking more complicated questions until it gives up.
Steen I Petersen
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Whether Bach’s Ich Habe Genug is lyrically appropriate as hold music might be a matter of faith, but “Ich habe genug” doesn’t mean “I’ve had enough”, rather “I have enough [having Jesus as my saviour]”.
Michael Ayton
Durham
Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.