A library and a fast-food restaurant are among the venues being relied upon to make up for the impending closure of a number of public toilets in Gravesend.

Back in January, Gravesham council set out plans to flush £76,000 from its amenities budget as part of a drive to find savings of £10,000 per working day by 2019 due to government cuts.

That included closing loos in Clive Road and Parrock Street in the town centre, Perry Street in Northfleet, The Street in Cobham, and at Meopham Green.

In a bid to make up for any shortfall, the council is launching a Community Toilet Scheme with the help of the likes of Burger King and Gravesend Library.

The council’s Lead Member for Environment and Operations, Cllr Alan Ridgers (Con), said: “None of the toilets that we propose to close will shut until we have suitable replacements in place.

“Crucially, with the spread of businesses that we already have signed up and with the varied opening hours, it should be easier to find somewhere if you need to use a loo.

“This is a great example of genuine partnership working, that has been really successful in other boroughs, and we are continuing our search to find more businesses to get on board and we will continue to add to the scheme as time goes on.”

Other places to have signed up are Istead Rise Community Centre, Gravesend Adult Education Centre, and Texaco Garage at the Pelham Road end of Perry Street.

Two council-run venues — the Civic Centre and Gravesend Borough Market — will also offer public toilets and all of them will have a Community Toilet Window sticker to show they are part of the scheme.

Those who use the toilets included in the scheme will not be expected to spend any money at the venues.

Public loos in Gordon Promenade, Fort Gardens, Windmill Gardens, Woodlands Park, and Camer Park in Meopham, will remain open.

The new Community Toilet Scheme is expected to be up and running by mid-July.