PLANS for restaurants, bars and shops in Ledbury to offer their toilets for use by the passing public have been branded a ‘cop out’ by one town councillor.

Herefordshire Council launched a Community Toilet Scheme in Hereford last week in a bid to increase the number of facilities on offer to shoppers and visitors, and plans to extend it across the county.

But Annette Crowe, chairman of the Ledbury Traders' Association and a town councillor, said she feared the move could lead to the closure of the town's public toilets and is calling for the town council to fight any move in that direction.

Mrs Crowe said: "I think it is deplorable. It is a cop out by Herefordshire Council, about cutting costs.

"Most shops would not be able to allow members of the public behind the counters into secure, private areas.

It's just not practical."

Coun Crowe, who runs the Homend jeweller's shop, Past and Present, said although there were no plans as yet to close Ledbury's toilets, she hoped as a trader that the town council would oppose any closures should they be suggested.

Businesses will participate in the scheme by choice and display stickers to show what facilities are available, allowing members of the public to use the facilities during opening hours, without making a purchase.

Coun Russell B Hamilton, cabinet member for environment, housing and planning at Herefordshire Council, said: “As part of our commitment to improving facilities we are working with businesses in Hereford to increase access to toilets across the city.

“Our aim is to provide the widest range of high quality accessible toilets that meet the needs of locals and visitors, not only in Hereford, but for other communities across the county.”