A public toilet in Gravesend will be open 24 hours a day in a trial to see if people can pee responsibly, Gravesham council has said.

The Clive Road public toilets will open around the clock from next Thursday (November 7) for a trial period into the New Year.

Community services boss Cllr Andrea Webb said: “There has clearly been a demand for longer opening times for town centre conveniences and we hope that this will help.

"But the trial will have to be ended if the conveniences are abused.”

Gravesham council has carried out work to cut back vegetation near the entrances and to improve the lighting.

The move is to help bars, clubs and restaurants in the town and assist taxi drivers and others who have to work at night.

Council wardens and a cleaning team will regularly check the toilets.

It is hoped that there will be a reduction in public urination and the police will be enforcing the law and issuing fixed penalty notices to anyone caught in the act.

Police inspector Chris Carter of Gravesham Community Safety Unit said: “Public urination is an offence.

"It is an act that offends and distresses other people, and this sort of anti-social behaviour in Gravesend town centre will not be tolerated.”