Shops offered cash to open their toilets
Shopkeepers in Staffordshire could earn an extra £100 a month by allowing customers to use their toilets, it emerged today.
Traders in Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley are being offered an annual bonus of up to £1,200 by the district council if they let members of the public use their loos.
Chiefs revealed earlier this year that they were considering an incentive scheme due to a toilet shortage in the three towns and have now agreed the terms.
Businesses that provide the best facilities will be rewarded with the highest payouts, with a total cash pot of £10,000 set aside this financial year.
Bosses say the alternative solution would be to build new public toilet blocks, sending costs spiralling.
Announcing the initiative today, town centre regeneration leader Councillor Diane Todd said: "The council wants to improve public access to toilets for the whole community.
"We particularly have in mind elderly residents or those with health needs. Better access to public toilets will improve their independence and we hope that a wide range of businesses and organisations across the district will sign up."
A ground-floor shop which offers changing facilities, as well as disabled access toilets for men and women, will qualify for the full payment of £1,200 under the pilot scheme.
Disabled access toilets on the ground floor, without changing facilities, are worth £700 a year.
Cannock Shopping Centre manager Natal Chapman said: "We will certainly be applying to join the scheme.
"It will be good for the community as a whole, although obviously traders will have to consider the logistics and health and safety implications."
No fees will be allowed.
