Despite figures showing that Hertsmere has been closing public toilets across the borough, the council has pointed towards its "innovative" community toilet scheme.

The scheme which has been running for ten years allows people to use toilets in shops and cafes in towns in the borough without having to pay.

Data obtained by the British Toilet Association through a Freedom of Information request shows that there are four council operated toilets, down from 11 two decades ago.

The British Toilet Association has started a campaign called Use Our Loos to encourage businesses to open their toilets to non-customers and make it visible by having a sticker on display.

So despite the public toilet closures, people in Hertsmere have had the opportunity to use toilets in shops, without having to make a purchase.

Councillor Seamus Quilty, responsible for the environment at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “Like all good ideas, the Community Toilet Scheme has worked so well over the past ten years because it’s a simple one.

“Everyone involved benefits – members of the public benefit because they get access to clean, well-kept toilets without having to pay; businesses benefit from the extra income and increased footfall; and the local authority benefits because it can help provide much-needed facilities for the community without the enormous costs of owning and managing its own toilets."

Businesses are paid a small annual fee, between £600 and £1000 by the council, to help cover the additional cleaning and maintenance costs.