Several leisure facilities across the district are set to join a scheme offering complimentary toilet access to the public.

All publicly-owned leisure venues in Adur and Worthing will become part of the Community Toilet Programme, designed to expand the availability of hygienic, dependable public lavatories by collaborating with shops, community buildings and other establishments.

The venues joining include Splashpoint, Worthing Leisure Centre and Lancing Manor.

The initiative began last year and already features locations including Worthing Town Hall, Worthing Library, Brooklands Café, the Shoreham Centre and Lancing Parish Hall.

Costa Coffee on Montague Place recently joined the programme last month, making its lavatories accessible to everyone despite most coffee chains typically requiring a purchase.

Participating non-council premises receive a modest contribution of approximately £20 weekly to assist with cleaning and upkeep costs.

Establishments in the programme display a window sticker and must supply soap, hand-drying facilities and waste bins.

The local authorities anticipate the programme will enhance amenities, particularly within the region’s town and village centres.

Funding comes from council budgets, and participating premises must operate at least five or six days weekly to qualify.

Venues open all seven days receive a higher payment.

These new additions follow a fresh agreement under which South Downs Leisure will manage every public leisure facility throughout Adur and Worthing for the next 21 years.

A complete directory of participating sites can be found at adur-worthing.gov.uk/toilets.