PLANS to charge for public toilets were being considered by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council today.

The council’s management committee was to discuss discuss the pilot ‘pay-on-entry scheme’ that would be implemented at the Swannery car park public conveniences if given the go-ahead.

According to the borough council, revenue collected will be used to maintain the public toilets.

The plans are part of the council’s drive to reduce spending ahead of the government’s financial review.

A spokesman for the borough council said that if the scheme is ‘successful’ it may be ‘rolled out across several other suitable public conveniences across the borough’.

Coun Peter Chapman, councillor for finance and assets, said: “The council is committed to providing decent facilities to residents, and introducing turnstiles on public conveniences means that maintenance and improvements can be carried out.

“Funds previously earmarked for these purposes in the council’s budget can be freed up to enable other vital services to continue during the financial downturn.

“The impending government financial review this October means that the council will soon be faced with some hard choices, so it is vital that careful planning is put into practice.”

Coun Chapman added that the move would act as a benefit to tourists, not a disadvantage.

He said: “If you’re going to attract tourists then our toilets have to be up to scratch – the ones on the seafront are disgraceful.

“At the moment they are a deterrent to tourists and I don’t think 20p is out of order if it improves cleaning services.”