Stores join City Loo scheme to the relief of shoppers

Retailers are signing up to a new public service in Manchester in which they agree to display stickers in their windows indicating shoppers are welcome to use their facilities whether they're a customer or not.

The first stores to sign up include House of Fraser, Debenhams, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, Manchester Arndale and The Triangle. All participating companies will display purple stickers stating City Loo.

Cllr Pat Karney, city centre spokesman at the council, said: "We get a lot of complaints from people about the lack of toilets in the city centre. Public toilets tend to attract vandalism and other anti-social behaviour so this is a far better solution. We're really pleased so many stores and other city centre organisations have come on board. This marks a real cultural change for shoppers and visitors to our city."

Vaughan Allen, chief executive of city centre management company, Cityco, said: "We've all nipped in a store to use their facilities and felt a bit guilty for not shopping there. Now anyone is welcome to pop into any of the participating stores without having to worry. We were aware of the lack of public facilities, so approached businesses for their help and have had a great response so far and are currently talking to 30 more venues to get them onboard. It's important we get the basics right so people enjoy the experience of visiting Manchester. This is all part of our on-going work to make the city centre a family-friendly place."