Public toilets to charge after drug and alcohol use

A charge will be introduced to use public toilets in the centre of a seaside town after reports of drug and alcohol use and anti-social behaviour.

The loos on Maiden Street in Weymouth will be closed for five months while refurbishment works are carried out.

The town council said it was part of a "commitment to improving its toilet facilities across the town over the next few years".

Dave Taylor, who petitioned for all public toilets in the town to be free to use, said: "The issue with these toilets is they are primarily used by street drinkers, drug takers etc due to the location and there's no other passing trade."

Work being carried out includes refurbishing the disabled toilets and installing a better ventilation system.

The new urinals and toilets will be fed from the mains, meaning a more efficient use of water. Sensor flushes, and sensor taps will also be put in. 

LED lighting will also be installed, which will make the facilities brighter and more energy efficient.

The cost to use the toilets when they reopen will be 50p.

Taylor said: "It's spending £200,000 on a refurb for toilets they hope nobody will use once they charge.

"The existing customers will either end up using the seafront toilets to take drugs or buy a £3 radar key."

The town council had planned to introduce a 50p charge at all its public toilets, including those along the seafront, as part of a rolling refurbishment programme.

A petition started by Dave Taylor opposing the proposed charges attracted more than 2,000 signatures, prompting the council to reconsider its plans.

The council will now consider charges at each location on a case-by-case basis.

The council continued: "Charging would help offset ongoing revenue costs, including cleaning, utilities, repairs and maintenance."