Plumbing - Business paid to open up toilets to public

05/11/2007

A new scheme in Richmond whereby businesses are paid to allow the public to use toilets on their premises could be rolled out nationwide, it has been reported.

Under the terms of the scheme, participating businesses, such as shops, pubs and restaurants, are paid £600 per year to allow non-paying customers to use their toilets.

Now following the trial's success, councillors from all over the UK will lobby for extension of the policy nationwide at the British Toilet Association (BTA) general meeting, the Guardian reports.

The project is aimed at reducing the strain on the nation's collective bladder caused by the shortage of public toilets, many of which have closed after falling into a state of disrepair.

Richard Chisnell, director of the BTA, said: "The emphasis is shifting towards public access to toilets which already exist in most towns and cities. We have to persuade businesses to allow the public to use them, and local authorities to provide financial assistance with cleaning.

"If we can encourage providers to open their toilets and allow public use, let's be open about it."

Heat and Plumb offers a range of toilet products including subtle concealed cisterns from Mirage and Armitage Shanks and a range of specially designed toilets for disabled users.