ROSSENDALE Council is hailing a new toilet scheme a success – despite a mixed reaction from local traders.

Traders across the borough were encouraged to open up their facilities to shoppers as part of a six-month pilot scheme last year.

The project was launched due to the lack of public toilets available to the people of Bacup.

No public buildings within Bacup town centre were willing to participate, claiming members of the public would pose a security threat by entering their buildings solely to use the facilities.

Bacup market traders have seen their toilet facilities vandalised by members of the public during the last six months of the scheme.

Security reasons have also played a part in the town’s leisure hall opting out of the initiative.

The scheme has been welcomed at some locations in Bacup.

Businesses can claim cash from the council whenever their toilets are used.

Terry Parkinson, senior field support worker for the National Market Traders’ Federation, thinks the council should proceed with caution.

He said: “I think it’s a good idea and may increase the number of people shopping in Rossendale markets, but there are security concerns.

“Troublemakers may look to vand-alise and misuse the toilets, so the council has to keep an eye on this and monitor it carefully.”

Coun Peter Steen, environment portfolio holder, is hoping to introduce the scheme throughout Rossendale.

He said: “Now that the scheme has proved to be a success in Bacup, I hope we will be able to roll it out in other areas and encourage businesses elsewhere to take part in the scheme.”

Staff at the Maden Community and Children’s Centre are fully behind the project. Sue Hopkinson, enhanced services manager, said: “We have no complaints at all with the scheme and are happy to offer our facilities to the public during our opening hours.

"The council has monitored our progress and I feel the scheme is a positive one.”

Caroline’s Café has also committed to the scheme. The cost for continuing the pilot scheme on a more formal arrangement will be £1,700 per year.