Then council is floating the idea of offering cash to businesses to open their toilets to the public.
Pubs, cafes, hotels and other outlets could be handed up to £1,500 a year under the comfort scheme.
The move comes as the authority needs to cut nearly £130,000 from its public toilet budget.
What do businesses in Castle Douglas think of the plan?
Imperial Hotel receptionist Heather Mowat, 48, said: “We have a lot of people coming in and using the toilets anyway. They won’t use the ones up at the Market Hill because they are dirty.
“I think the comfort scheme is a good idea. We have caravanners coming in to help themselves to handwash, salt and pepper and cutlery as well. If folk are coming in anyway you may as well get some money for it.”
Simply Delicious cafe cook Sandra McQuaker, 30, was doubtful. She said: “I don’t think it’s a nice idea because it would mean the toilets would need twice the cleaning.
“Also, people might not care because it would be a public toilet. You would just get graffiti on the walls and a mess.
“Paying customers might have to queue for the toilets as well.”
Scottish Pantry owner Brian Haining, 64, felt the cuts were going too far. He said: “I just feel it’s something else to lose.
“We lost the outward bound centre last year – where is it all going to end?
If we allow them to do it, will they renumerate us financially or with stock? I am not in favour but if someone comes in here and asks to go to the toilet I never refuse them.”
Earth’s Crust Bakery front of house manager Emma Kenyon, 34, was open-minded about the idea.
She said: “I think it would be an excellent opportunity for the council to redivert funding.
