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A pilot scheme aimed at improving and increasing access to public toilets for residents, shoppers and visitors to the borough has been launched in Station Approach, Hayes. The community toilet scheme is a joint venture between the council and local businesses. Participating businesses like shops, pubs and restaurants, make their toilet facilities available for the public to use free of charge, and without the need to buy goods or services.
“This is the start of what I hope will be a very successful scheme. It will make a real difference to shoppers and visitors but particularly disabled and older people, and families with young children. Businesses also stand to benefit as more people become aware of their premises” said Councillor Colin Smith, Executive Councillor for the Environment.
Kafeel Khan of Costa Coffee said “We pride ourselves on the quality of our coffee and the clean and comfortable surroundings our customers can relax in. Our high standards can be seen in every aspect of the business, including our toilet facilities. The public are very welcome to use these and we’re pleased to be one of the first to sign up to the community toilet scheme.”
Paul Brum of New Inn Harvester added “This is a natural extension of what we have been doing for years. Our premises are a local land mark and we see ourselves as a business which ultimately serves the community by providing food and drink for families and individuals alike.”
Signs in Station Approach indicate where the community toilets are located while the participating businesses display special stickers in their windows. Inside the premises, clear internal signs direct the public to the toilet facilities so there is no need to ask for directions.
If the trial is successful and the scheme is expanded, more toilet facilities will become available around the borough, and in locations where there are currently none. Longer opening hours and a wider range of facilities, including facilities for the disabled and baby changing, could be provided by businesses. Businesses may also benefit from shoppers and visitors attracted to areas providing community toilets.
Other venues and businesses are currently being approached about participating in the scheme, based on carefully selected criteria.
“This is the start of what I hope will be a very successful scheme. It will make a real difference to shoppers and visitors but particularly disabled and older people, and families with young children. Businesses also stand to benefit as more people become aware of their premises” said Councillor Colin Smith, Executive Councillor for the Environment.
Kafeel Khan of Costa Coffee said “We pride ourselves on the quality of our coffee and the clean and comfortable surroundings our customers can relax in. Our high standards can be seen in every aspect of the business, including our toilet facilities. The public are very welcome to use these and we’re pleased to be one of the first to sign up to the community toilet scheme.”
Paul Brum of New Inn Harvester added “This is a natural extension of what we have been doing for years. Our premises are a local land mark and we see ourselves as a business which ultimately serves the community by providing food and drink for families and individuals alike.”
Signs in Station Approach indicate where the community toilets are located while the participating businesses display special stickers in their windows. Inside the premises, clear internal signs direct the public to the toilet facilities so there is no need to ask for directions.
If the trial is successful and the scheme is expanded, more toilet facilities will become available around the borough, and in locations where there are currently none. Longer opening hours and a wider range of facilities, including facilities for the disabled and baby changing, could be provided by businesses. Businesses may also benefit from shoppers and visitors attracted to areas providing community toilets.
Other venues and businesses are currently being approached about participating in the scheme, based on carefully selected criteria.
