Town to scrap 20p charge for 'spending a penny'

A 20p charge to use a town's public toilets is being removed.

From 1 April, council-run toilets in Chippenham, Wiltshire, will be free.

Town councillor Declan Baseley, who had campaigned for the cause, said the fee "caused inconvenience for parents with young children, tourists who don't know where the nearest free facility is, and to people with disabilities".

Age UK Wiltshire said the change would "make a real difference" for older people in Chippenham at risk of isolation – and it hoped more towns across the county would follow suit.

Free public toilets already exist in nearby towns including Bradford-on-Avon, Royal Wootton Bassett and Corsham.

However, charges remain in place in Devizes, Highworth and Swindon's new Fleming Way Bus Boulevard.

Baseley said efforts had been made in Chippenham since 2023 to remove the charge.

A trial at Monkton Park public toilets saw a decrease in anti-social behaviour, as opposed to "extensive" damage witnessed at a chargeable facility at Bath Road.

Baseley added: "I'm happy this got through. There was a real appetite [in Chippenham] for this and there has been an outpouring of support since the announcement."

It was "clear" that people in Chippenham wanted to use toilets for free, added town council leader Desna Allen.

She added: "The decision to remove the charge will ensure our facilities are accessible for all."

Sarah Cardy, CEO of Age UK Wiltshire, said: "A lack of public toilets can lead to people the charity supports choosing to stay at home, which risks isolation.

"While it may seem like a small change, for many older people this makes a real difference to their confidence and independence when out and about in their community."

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