Portable loo 'success' welcomed

The urinals have helped clean up the streets in Wrexham

Four portable toilets opened in Wrexham to stop men urinating in the street have had a positive effect on the town's image, say North Wales Police

The night-time urinals were opened earlier this month in a clampdown on anti-social behaviour.

Men urinating in the street had caused a "problem" and the practice was unhygienic," said Pc Pete Barrett.

However, the community safety officer said things had improved with the introduction of the open-air toilets.

"The first weekend people didn't know whether to use them or not [but] they are becoming quite popular and people are using them," said Pc Pete Barrett.

"The feedback is that they are being more utilised."

Previously, men had been spotted urinating in shop doorways and there were hygiene concerns.

However, for the past year, men caught by police have been told to mop up their mess or face an £80 fine.

Festive season

Some complained there were no public toilets open late.

"By providing the portable urinals they've got somewhere to go," added Pc Barrett.

Based on a model used in France, the project is operated by the police and Wrexham Council.

The four-bay urinals have been placed on Town Hill, near the majority of the town's nightspots.

Up to 10,000 people regularly drink in Wrexham and, with pubs and clubs opening longer, it is believed that figure could rise particularly over the festive season.