Spending a penny won't cost a thing...

Website: Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Date: 15/07/2010
Link : http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/spending-a-penny-won-t-cost-a-thing-1-899933

A new "community loo" scheme means the public could have 13 more toilets to choose from if they want to spend a penny in Northampton.

Northampton Borough Council launched the scheme yesterday which will see businesses and council-owned premises across the town displaying a sticker to advertise its facilities are available for use during opening hours.

Stickers will also state what facilities are available, such as male, female, wheelchair accessible and baby changing facilities.

The community loo scheme comes in addition to the five public toilets already in Northampton, which include the Sheep Street toilets, which have been nominated for toilet of the year on several occasions.

Councillor Trini Crake, portfolio holder for environment, (Lib Dem, Boughton Green) said it did not mean the council would be cutting back on funding for public toilets.

She said: "We won't be closing public toilets - we have not closed any since 2007 - it is about finding the best way to provide even more facilities to those in need, not just in the town centre but further out as well.

"It also benefits local businesses as it gets people into their stores.

"It is completely voluntary and we do want to get more people involved, as a lot of places have toilets which members of the public might not realise are there."

Posters and leaflets showing where the scheme operates and listing other public toilets in the town are available across Northampton.

Those signed up so far include Debenhams, The Bear, NBs, House of Fraser, The Old Bank, The Grosvenor Centre, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, The Guildhall, Greyfriars Bus Station, The Moon on the Square, The Eastgate, The Cordwainer, The Royal & Derngate, The Fish Market, The Jesus Centre and the Tourist Information Centre.

Eddie Gershon, a spokesman for The Eastgate said: "Our staff take pride in keeping the pub toilets in first-class condition.

"We're happy to be working with the borough council on the launch of its scheme which will benefit the community at large."

For a list of participating premises or to comment on any of the toilets provided visit: www.northampton.gov.uk/communitytoilets.

Businesses wishing to join can telephone town centre manager Derrick Simpson