Harrogate businesses are opening their toilets to the public as part of a new scheme launched by Harrogate Town Council.
The ‘When you’ve gotta go’ scheme promotes unconditional access to toilets at participating businesses, without the need to make a purchase.
Councillors voted to launch the initiative at a meeting this week, with Westmoreland Coffee, Artizan Café, Starling Independent and North Bar already signed up.
The businesses are displaying window stickers and guiding staff to allow anyone who asks to use their facilities.
The scheme aims to reduce stigma around incontinence-related conditions, stomas and periods, while helping people feel more confident about visiting the town centre.
Cllr Josie Caven, who brought the motion, said:
“I’m thrilled we are launching the ‘When you’ve gotta go’ scheme to help take the weight off people’s minds and make it easier for everyone to get out and enjoy Harrogate’s wonderful parks, shops, and local spaces.
“I’m so grateful to the businesses that have already signed up to the pilot scheme and look forward to welcoming many more in the coming weeks.”
She added:
“I know how difficult it can be, especially when the Tory-run North Yorkshire Council’s public toilets lock automatically at 6pm over the winter.
“We will keep campaigning to keep the Council-run public toilets free and open for all, the scheme is an and, not an or.”
According to research cited by the town council from the Royal Society for Public Health, one in five people do not go outside as often as they would like because of concerns about toilet access.
That figure rises to two in five among people with conditions requiring frequent toilet use.
The research also found that more than half of the public deliberately reduce their fluid intake, which can affect health and exacerbate existing medical problems.
Enkeleda Kameli, owner of Westmoreland Coffee, said:
“Lots of businesses like mine already operate a free and open toilet policy, the ‘When you’ve gotta go’ stickers take the doubt and anxiety that prevent people from asking in the first instance.
“Together we can just make the world that little bit easier for the people in our lives with medical conditions, or anyone who needs it.”
The council motion also thanked the office of Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon for facilitating early conversations about the scheme, as part of efforts to support disabled participation in public life and people with Crohn’s and colitis.
Businesses interested in joining the pilot can email admin@harrogatetowncouncil.gov.uk for a free window sticker and welcome pack.
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