Council wages "war on wee" to deter public urination during Cheltenham Festival

14 February 2023 , 11:03

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Cheltenham council is taking measures to stamp out public urination by racegoers during the four day Festival (Image: Getty Images)

Council officials in Cheltenham have declared a “war on wee’ in a bid to deter Cheltenham Festival racegoers from urinating in public during the four day meeting next month.

The local council is to make hydprophobic paint, which repels liquids, available to residents and businesses who could be in the firing line on routes to and from the racecourse.

The town is bracing itself for more than 250,000 visitors between March 14 and 17 and while temporarily toilets have been installed along routes to the track, many racegoers have used public spaces to urinate, according to Cheltenham Borough Council.

The council is inviting residents and businesses to come forward if they want to become involved in the new hydrophobic paint initiative.

Cllr Max Wilkinson, cabinet member for economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing, said: "Public urination at any time is disgusting and we shouldn't have to put up with this anymore.

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"Last year, I saw a line of men brazenly weeing against a wall near the town centre, while hundreds of people sat in traffic queues just yards away - they were totally shameless.

"I'm sure the prospect of wet trousers will make people think twice, even if they think they won't get caught and fined."

The council is also working with Gloucestershire Constabulary and Cheltenham Racecourse to increase the number of temporary public toilets, visibility at key points and junctions and issue fixed penalty notices where necessary for those who are caught urinating in public.

Jon Lees