Residents and visitors of a seaside town say they are “peed off” over a 30p card-only fee to enter new “state-of-the-art” toilets. 

Seaton Carew recently welcomed new toilets after months of works to replace the former loos at the nearby Clock Tower, which had become “difficult to maintain”. 

However, the new toilets, located close to the Seaton Carew promenade and to the north of the existing car park, have come under fire for a 30p entrance fee that can only be paid by card. 

Visitors fear the fee will “just encourage people to just go somewhere outside” - adding that the payment meant those without cards - such as kids or the elderly - would not be able to use the facilities. 

While some argued that this would be ‘peenalising’ people, others argued that the charging aspect was “fair enough” but that a cash option should be available. 

Councillor Sue Little and Councillor Mike Young beside the site of the new toilets before they were builtCouncillor Sue Little and Councillor Mike Young beside the site of the new toilets before they were built (Image: HARTLEPOOL COUNCIL)

One person said: “So old people who are most likely to need the loo are the least likely to be carrying a card.”

Another added: “I'm not averse to paying. I just want the option of cash or card, or even an app if people want to, but we need choice.”

Tony Hanson, Hartlepool Council’s executive director of development, neighbourhoods and regulatory services, has since spoken out following the anger online. 

He said that the cashless aspect of the site is “fairly commonplace” and added that it would “improve the security” of the toilets. 

The new facility features nine standard cubicles, two accessible cubicles and a Changing Places unit for those with disabilities, the latter of which is free to access. 

Mr Hanson also noted how the council still operates other free-to-use toilets on the promenade, to the north of Seaton Carew, close to Newburn Bridge.

Back in 2022, the council outlined how the former toilets at the clock tower - a nearly 90-year-old listed building - were “difficult to maintain” and would require “very expensive” refurbishment work. 

Issues at the previous toilets included flooding, large water use and “unpleasant smells”, prompting funding arrangements of £435,000 for the new facilities. 

The 30p, however, is nothing new - with the 2022 plans outlining how the new toilets would see visitors cough up the fee. 

A full statement from Mr Hanson said: “The new public toilets at Seaton Carew are a significant investment in high-quality facilities that will benefit both residents and visitors alike. 

“They have replaced the now-closed toilets at the nearby clock tower within Seaton Carew bus station which were no longer fit for purpose and could not readily be brought up to modern standards. 

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“The new block comprises nine standard cubicles, two accessible cubicles and a state-of-the-art Changing Places unit to cater for people with significant disabilities. 

“Access to the disabled facilities is free. The use of a card-only payment system is fairly commonplace, and it will improve the security of the new toilets given that no cash will be retained on site.

“The Council does still operate other free-to-use toilets on the promenade to the north of Seaton Carew, close to Newburn Bridge.”