Pop-up loo scheme for revellers

The loo will be brought out of the ground at night for use by revellers

A "pop-up" public toilet has been installed in Stroud to help combat the nuisance of urinating in shop doorways.

The remote-controlled urinal, which is hidden under what looks like a manhole cover in the day, rises hydraulically out of the ground in the evening.

It is sited on King's Parade, near the taxi rank where people tend to gather after a night out.

Stroud is the first town in Gloucestershire and only the eighth in the UK to install a pop-up loo.

'Disgusting'

Councillor Nigel Cooper said: "Whilst it is an offence to urinate in public, it still happens.

"It is quite disgusting and very upsetting for businesses in the town who have to clean up the mess every weekend.

"Up until now, we as a council, have been unable to do anything about it."

The cost of the Urilift and its installation was £45,000 and the yearly maintenance costs are about £2,000.

The remote-controlled loo is hidden in the ground during the day

The loo has a lifetime of 15 to 20 years and has its own water supply and waste pipe so that it can be kept hygienic with regular, automatic flushing.

Karen Sands, manager of the M&Co store added: "Initially, I was a little concerned about it being right outside our shop display, but that really won't be an issue as it is underground during the day.

"We regularly have people urinating in our doorway and even through our letterbox, so this will be a welcome feature in addressing the problem.

"Traders in Stroud have had to suffer for much too long. I look forward to not having to deal with the mess in the future."

The Urilift is designed specifically for men, but if it proves to be a success, a loo designed for women may also be installed.