The Tap Bar Supports the Community Toilet Scheme

It's easy to spend a penny for free if you get caught short in Ware town centre - thanks to East Herts Council's new community toilet scheme. The council will pay the businesses an annual fee towards their running costs.

The council has signed up five businesses around the town, which have agreed that members of the public can pop into their premises and use their toilet without having to make a purchase.

There will be street signs directing people to the toilets and displaying which facilities they offer. The businesses on the scheme will have signs in their windows. As part of the scheme, the businesses have agreed to make sure the toilets are clean and hygienic, with enough toilet rolls, soap and a hand dryer or hand towels. The council will carry out regular inspections and random spot checks.

Members of the scheme are:

Cllr Terence Milner, Executive member for environment and conservation, said: "The community toilet scheme is providing clean, safe and accessible toilets for the public. Getting caught short while you're out is an inconvenience so this scheme is good news for visitors to Ware. It should also benefit businesses because it will make it easier for shoppers to spend more time in town.

"The businesses on the scheme are spread around the town centre and as a Ware resident myself, I'll certainly be making use of a well placed toilet should the need arise."

The council is planning to roll the scheme out to other towns in East Herts. If the scheme is successful, the council will then consider closing its ageing stand alone toilets.