Paying by card to spend a penny? It’s inexcusable

Plans for contactless payments for public lavatories in the Lake District have been criticised by councillors who say they “alienate” visitors.

Lakes parish council agreed to convert many facilities, including in tourist hotspots Windermere and Ambleside, so they only accept cards.

The move follows a review of the impact of Covid on health and safety, and is hoped to bring lavatories “into the 21st century”.

Vicky Hughes, who represents Ambleside and Grasmere for South Lakeland district council, said: “It alienates people who don’t have cards – such as young children who could get caught out while they are playing.”