Pubs join local toilet scheme in Wokingham

Pubs in Wokingham, Berkshire are opening up their toilets to the public under a new scheme.

The council has closed the public toilets and has invited pubs, restaurants and shops to allow members of the public to use their toilet for free.

The Local Loos scheme will see any participating venues receive a grant of £600 a year to help maintain the facilities. Pubs who are part pf the programme will display a Local Loos sign in the window.

It is estimated the move will save the council around £8,000 a year and replace the rundown public toilets with modern ones.

The Red Lion and the Broad Street Tavern are two pubs, which have already signed up.

"I'm grateful to all the Local Loo partners who have come forward and agreed to take part in this scheme and I'd like to thank them for coming on board and providing a great community facility." said Wokingham Borough Councillor Simon Weeks.

"Not only will the Local Loo scheme improve toilets across the town in terms of providing cleaner and brighter facilities, it will also mean that residents, shoppers and visitors have access to a toilet for greater lengths of time as many of these businesses are open for much longer than the current council-run public conveniences.

"Also, these much better facilities are completely free for residents and visitors to use as the council has already compensated all the businesses, and there's no expectation that anyone using the Local Loos will have to purchase something in return."