Ten years on since the launch of an innovative scheme to provide clean, safe public toilets, it still doesn’t cost a penny to spend one in Hertsmere.
To celebrate the milestone anniversary of our Community Toilet Scheme, representatives from the council gathered outside one of the first businesses to make their toilets available to members of the public. Caffe Nero in Shenley Road, Borehamwood signed up within weeks of the scheme’s launch in August 2008.
Since then, the Caffé Nero store in Radlett has also joined the scheme, as well as 14 more businesses across the borough. They all allow members of the public to use their toilets for free, without having to make a purchase or use their services. Stickers advertising their involvement are on the shop windows of all the businesses involved.
Councillor Seamus Quilty, Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Transport, said: “Like all good ideas, the Community Toilet Scheme has worked so well over the past ten years because it’s a simple one.
“Everyone involved benefits – members of the public benefit because they get access to clean, well-kept toilets without having to pay; businesses benefit from the extra income and increased footfall; and the local authority benefits because it can help provide much-needed facilities for the community without the enormous costs of owning and managing its own toilets.
“But there is another reason this scheme has worked so well and that’s the partnership working involved. We couldn’t do this without the continued support and participation of local businesses.”
Rochelle Larter, regional manager for Caffe Nero, said: “I believe being a part of this scheme is a massive part of helping the community for both Borehamwood and Radlett.
“We wanted to make a difference when out shopping and to have the convenience of being able to use a clean toilet without the worry of having to pay for the privilege or having to buy something just to use the toilet which can be a real pain for some people that may not have money to do so.
“It’s important that we continue to have high standards in our toilets throughout so that each person will experience the same expectation whether they choose to spend money with us or not. This has been a real success with all our customers and visitors.”
Local businesses are paid a small annual fee, between £600 and £1000 by the council, to help cover the additional cleaning and maintenance costs. All toilets are inspected regularly by staff to ensure they meet appropriate standards.