Public toilets in Ashby and Coalville are set to be installed with contactless pay readers.

That is despite criticism that it would not 'benefit the public' and could leave some people without the technology needed to pay if they are caught short.

Two sets of toilets are currently provided by North West Leicestershire District Council, one in Derby Road, Ashby, and the second in the Market Hall car park, Coalville.

Both are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and each have free disabled facilities that can be accessed by radar key.

All non-disabled users are charged 30p for entry and card readers are set to be installed to take the payment.

The new technology is set to cost the council £23,000, which it says had been funded through money it saved from underspending on its IT programme.

The public toilets in Derby Road, Ashby. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

Council documents added that the investment will 'enable it to achieve the income budget of £16,000' - and have the potential to lead to further cash savings relating to future cleaning costs.

The decision to approve the new technology was passed at a council meeting last Tuesday (September 5).

But the scheme did receive some criticism from opposition members.

Representatives from the North West Leicestershire Labour Group asked for the decision to be paused to gauge public opinion.

Cllr Terri Eynon, who represents the Hugglescote St Mary's Ward, said: "Public toilets are paid for by the public through their council tax.

"The public need to understand this decision.

"Is it going to save money? Is it going to leave some people desperate to relieve themselves with no place to go?

"This decision should not have come to full council as a done deal."

The decision on the new payment method went down to the wire, with 19 voting for the project and 19 voting against.

This left the decision up to the council chairman, Conservative Councillor Ray Morris, who approved the scheme.

However, North West Leicestershire District Council has today (Wednesday) issued a response, clarifying the plan.

A statement on the council's social media platforms reads: "Cash payments for toilets in Ashby and Coalville are staying.

"We're aware there are concerns about accessing public toilets with the introduction of electronic payments. To confirm, we will still accept cash when charges are reintroduced."

Cllr Michael Wyatt, the council's portfolio holder for community services, added: "We removed the charging for our toilets during the pandemic, to reduce the need for people to handle change and touch surfaces.

"We are working to reintroduce charges and as part of our work to ensure the best value for money for taxpayers we are looking to reduce our maintenance and staffing costs.

"Installing electronic payments will reduce the staff time needed to manage the conveniences, and is an approach that a number of councils across the country have taken.

"However, we want to make sure our facilities are accessible to everyone and will look at the potential to introduce electronic payment methods alongside cash entry.

"Anyone needing a RADAR key will continue to have free access.

"This project is in its early stages, but we will ensure to provide advanced notice of any changes to residents, visitors and businesses."