Shoppers and visitors in need of relief in Hereford Centre can now “take a seat” in the newly opened East Street toilets.
The previous toilets at the location suffered from vandalism and had become difficult to maintain.
The design of the new toilets has been chosen to provide more attractive facilities open to the public for longer periods near the core of the historic City. The integrated construction of the new toilet units minimises the opportunity for wilful damage.
The new toilets, which have cost around £120,000, are to be officially declared open on Tuesday, May 10, at 10am.
“The old East Street toilets were plagued with vandalism, people stuffing items (purses, cans and bottles) into the pans causing blockages and use by drug addicts,” said Councillor Phil Edwards, Cabinet Member for Environment.
“The design of the new toilets were chosen to reduce the opportunity for these kind of problems to arise,” he added.
The toilets were opened for use last week, in time for people to use during the visit of the May Fair to Hereford.
“They are proving popular so far – they are safe and practical – but they are different to normal toilets,” added Cllr Edwards.
Once the door is shut the toilet seat drops automatically. On leaving, the door again shuts automatically and a wash cycle begins. There are integral hand washing and drying units in each cubicle.
With an electronic control unit, there is a safety system that will sound an alarm after 12 minutes and, if the door is not then opened, the door will automatically open shortly afterwards. This automatic timer also acts as a deterrent to use of the toilets for anti-social activities.
It is important that the door is shut after each use.
“I know it’s polite to hold the door open, but in the case of these toilets, please don’t!
“If you do, the person you let in could well be in the toilet when the wash routine goes ahead!” said Cllr Edwards.
Herefordshire Council is keen to know what users think of the toilets – if you want to have your say, please contact the Council via its Streets telephone helpline, (01432) 261800 or by email streets@herefordshire.gov.uk