Traders come forward to open up their toilets
Three shopkeepers in Hednesford have already come foward with the intention of opening their toilets to the public in exchange for council cash.
Traders could earn £100 a month under an incentive scheme launched by Cannock Chase Council to ease a shortage of public toilets. Bosses have set aside a total of £10,000 for the scheme in Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley this financial year. Hednesford Traders' Association 2011, said there was already considerable business interest in the scheme.
Simon Orme, chairman of the group, said he would consider opening his firm SOS Hairdressing's toilets to the public as part of the idea, while bosses at Belles Coffee House, also in Market Street, and one unnamed shop were also keen.
"The main reason we like the idea is that it gives people in the town access to a toilet, without going home, or going up to Tesco, which opens later this year," he said.
"Anything which keeps custom in the centre is a good thing – I think that is the main selling point for us, not necessarily the money."
Mr Orme said the traders' body was ready to open negotiations with the district council over the initiative.
There are initial concerns among some of the businesses about the possible impact on heath and safety and insurance costs.
The town centre only currently has toilets in the library following the closure of public toilets on June 1.
A scheme which saw temporary toilets opened on the ground floor of the Lightworks indoor shopping centre ended seven months ago.
In December, Tesco is opening at the top of Market Street as part of the regeneration project at Victoria Shopping Park. But traders are keen to attract people to other shops in the centre.
Mr Orme said: "We believe this incentive scheme is a good idea, as the opportunity to open new public toilets in the town seems unlikely because of the costs involved."
The council wants to improve access to toilets for elderly people or those with health needs.
