Plans to introduce charges at public toilets across Weymouth have been dropped after a petition gathered more than 2,200 signatures. The town council had proposed a 50p fee at all facilities it manages, including seafront toilets, to fund a refurbishment programme.
Council reverses decision
Instead of a blanket charge, the council will now consider fees on a case-by-case basis for each toilet. The proposed charges were part of a rolling refurbishment plan, with Maiden Street toilets slated for 2027/28 and Pier Bandstand facilities for 2028/29.
Councillors were told this year's budget was in surplus, with the refurbishment programme costing about £420,000. Some public toilets in Weymouth already charge 50p, but the council decided not to extend this to all sites.
Concerns over public health
Overcombe councillor Louie O'Leary said charging had already caused problems in his ward, with people using gardens and bushes as alternatives. He told the BBC: "People are choosing to go to the toilet in gardens and bushes on the street. They are basically just using it as a free option, which is unacceptable because it's an environmental health hazard and also it's just not fair on the residents who live there."
O'Leary also noted residents were effectively paying twice, as they contribute to public toilets via the town council precept, which also funds parks and gardens, before being asked to pay again to use some facilities.
Petition launched by resident
The petition was started by resident David Taylor, who said the charges would disproportionately affect those on a budget. He said: "The imposition of fees on public toilets could disproportionately affect residents and visitors who, like me, are on a budget. These fees create barriers for those in our community who must use these facilities daily. Picture our elderly residents, parents with young children, and people with disabilities - [charging for toilets] unfairly targets those who need these facilities the most."
Express has contacted Weymouth Town Council for comment.
