Town to introduce first charge for public toilets

Work has begun on the car park's public toilets

People using a public toilet block in a Derbyshire town will soon be charged 20p to spend a penny.

Refurbishment work began this week at the Sylvan Car Park facilities in Buxton which High Peak Borough Council said had been "the target of repeated incidents of vandalism" contributing to "lots" of complaints.

A charge will be introduced when the toilets reopen on a trial basis to deter damage and "maintain the upkeep".

Only contactless payments will be accepted, the authority said.

The council said research showed contactless payments were at "a record high" so not accepting cash was "not considered to be a barrier".

The charge - the first for a public toilet in High Peak - is on a trial basis and will be kept under review, the authority added.

A spokesperson for the council said: "As well as offering residents better facilities, these improvements will create a much better impression on visitors to the town as they are often one of the first amenities coach parties visiting Buxton are likely to use."