DORCHESTER businesses could receive a cash boost for opening up their toilets to the public.

The scheme would be funded by West Dorset District Council and aims to counterbalance the lack of facilities in the county town.

Business owners are invited to have their say on the idea.

Phil Gordon, of the BID, who would administer the scheme, said: “This project is just in the pilot stages at the moment, but if the answer is ‘yes’, businesses who sign up will get up to £800 per year for letting people use their loos, which many members of the public do anyway.

“In these current economic times, it could be a really good thing for businesses.”

If the scheme goes ahead, businesses who sign up will be subject to a visit from the district council to assess the suitability of the facilities, and grants will be available to bring them up to par. For more information, contact the BID on 01305 257231.