Portglenone businesses open doors for free public toilets

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, pictured with Councillor Anna Henry to announce the Community Toilet Scheme which has launched in Portglenone.

Portglenone village is making life a little easier for residents and visitors, thanks to a new Community Toilet Scheme launched by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with local businesses.

The initiative allows anyone to use participating businesses’ toilet facilities free of charge during normal opening hours, without needing to make a purchase.

It complements the village’s existing public conveniences at Portglenone Marina and aims to make the area more welcoming for shoppers, walkers, and tourists.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the scheme, saying:

“I am delighted to promote this new partnership between the council and local Portglenone businesses to actively encourage the public to avail of convenient toilets. These local businesses are offering clean, safe and accessible toilets at no cost.

“This is an appreciated way for local businesses to give something back to their community. They are adding to the existing public conveniences in Portglenone village.

“We are supporting the participating businesses through promotion and an annual fee for the provision of their facilities. I have no doubt by being involved in this scheme they will benefit from greater footfall into their premises.”

Businesses participating in the scheme retain the right to refuse entry to anyone who would normally be refused entry to the premises, ensuring the service remains safe and manageable for staff and patrons.

The current participating premises are:

• The Wild Duck, 93 Main St – Wednesday to Thursday 12pm–8pm, Friday–Saturday 12pm–9pm, Sunday 12pm–8pm

• The Fiddler’s Rest, 71 Main St – Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm until late

• O’Connells Bar, 10 Main St – Monday to Sunday 11.30am–11.30pm

Portglenone-based businesses interested in joining the scheme must hold public liability insurance and can contact the council’s Waste Helpdesk at Waste.Helpdesk@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or call 0300 124 5000 for more information.

The council also provides a full map of all borough toilet facilities, including those in the Community Toilet Scheme, at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/Toilets.

At a glance

• Mid and East Antrim Borough Council launches Community Toilet Scheme in Portglenone.

• Participating businesses provide free public toilet access during opening hours.

• Scheme complements existing public toilets at Portglenone Marina.

• Businesses retain right to refuse entry to anyone normally refused service.

• Current participants: The Wild Duck, The Fiddler’s Rest, O’Connells Bar.

• Council offers promotion and annual fee to support participating businesses.

• Interested businesses must have public liability insurance and can contact the council for details.