Ribble Valley Community Toilet Scheme

Residents and shoppers in Ribble Valley can now "spend a penny" in shops and restaurants thanks to a new Community Toilet Scheme.

Numerous shops and businesses across the rural borough are making their toilet facilities available to the general public without the need to make a purchase.

The facilities have been signposted and promoted, so that they can be easily found or located.

Community Toilet Schemes are particularly popular in London, where they enable pubs, restaurants and shops to work in partnership with local councils to make clean, safe and accessible toilets available to the public. Ribble Valley Mayor Simon Hore said: "By providing greater access to toilets, the Ribble Valley Community Toilet Scheme will promote community cohesion and rural sustainability.

"Older people, parents and people with health problems will be able to maintain a more active lifestyle and confidently enjoy the local environment.
"This is particularly important in a large rural borough such as Ribble valley, which has restricted access to services."

Over 39 venues have so far signed up to the Ribble Valley Community Toilet Scheme, which is endorsed by the Clitheroe and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, including supermarkets, cafes, public houses and libraries, but more participants are sought.

View Ribble Valley Community Toilet Scheme in a larger map

If you would like to take part, contact Ribble Valley Borough Council's head of engineering services, Terry Longden, on 01200 414523.