Hundreds opposed to toilet-charging plan

A plan to introduce charges at a town's toilets has left some worrying that people will go on its beach inside of paying.

Weymouth Town Council plans to charge in some of its public toilets as part of ongoing refurbishment works, but has not yet confirmed how much any trip will cost.

A petition against introducing the changes at the eight council-run sites has been signed by about 1,500 people.

But a trader who works on the beach and uses the toilets regularly said people have left their mess on her hut to clean up.

"That's happened several times so I think they will be definitely going on the beach, they will be going on the huts," Debbie Rait said.

David Taylor, who has lived in the town for 10 years, started the petition.

In it, he calls for the council to ensure that Weymouth retains a reputation for its "welcoming nature and vibrant tourism".

He uses the beach regularly, often picking up litter and walking his dogs, and said he worries about having to effectively pay twice for the toilet – once in taxes and again on every use.

"If you're going to have to pay every time [to use the toilet], it soon adds up," he said.

The council plans to introduce charges as the toilets are refurbished over about eight years and any charges will be decided closer to the time.

It plans to first refurbish toilets in Maiden Street in 2027/28 and those on the Pier Bandstand in 2028/29.

"When those plans come forward, there will be the proposal to include at least one accessible toilet that can be accessed using a RADAR key, as exists at the three chargeable council-run toilet blocks currently," a council spokesperson said.

"During the busy summer season, we also install temporary toilets on the seafront opposite Alexandra Gardens, which are free to use."