BROADSTONE visitors need not worry about getting caught short thanks to a new scheme to improve access to loos in the town.

The Community Toilet Scheme allows anyone to use the toilets in scheme members’ premises, whether they are a paying customer or not.

Businesses signing up to the Borough of Poole scheme display the “use our loo” sticker in their window to show which facilities are available – all offer disabled access.

So far Broadstone Library, The Junction Leisure Centre, Costa Coffee, Molly’s Cafe and Hadleigh House surgery have signed up and receive a fee from the council to cover their costs.

The trial will run for 12 months from the start of August and during that time the council’s Macaulay Road toilet block will close.

Many of Poole’s 30 public toilets, including this one, need urgent refurbishment at an estimated cost of £1.3m.

Leisure centre manage Martin Stockley said: “To be included in the local ‘use our loo’ scheme will only enable more visitors to see our facilities and thus maybe attract regular participation in the sporting and fitness programmes we are proud to offer all ages.”

Savings made through the scheme will be spent on improvements to the public toilets and plans are underway for a similar trial at Canford Heath.

“We understand that public toilet facilities are important to residents and visitors and the Community Toilet Scheme is a way in which we can continue to make clean, safe and accessible toilets available to all people without increasing the burden on council taxpayers and still afford the ever growing costs in the future,” said Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment.

Phil Howlett, manager of Costa Coffee said: “We are pleased to be joining the Use Our Loo Scheme. People do come in and use our toilets anyway and this is a way of making them feel welcome.

“It’s a win win really because it’s good for the community and it’s good for us too.”