A decision to install a contactless payment system in public toilets at Ashby and Coalville has been branded "an outrageous waste of money" by opposition councillors.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) agreed to install the technology at loos in both town centres.

Visitors to the public toilets outside Coalville's former Market Hall and Ashby's Derby Road will now be able to use their credit card or enabled device to pay the 30p charge.

But the technology comes with a price tag of £23,400.

The council, which is run by a coalition of Conservative, Liberal Democrat and independent councillors, said the new contactless system would make the toilets more accessible for all to use.

But the Labour members who form the main opposition have branded it a waste of cash.

They have also raised concerns about the reintroduction of fees to use the loos, which have been free since the pandemic.

Labour councillor for Money Hill ward in Ashby, Murrae Blair-Park said: "The decision to install contactless card entry for our public toilets is an outrageous waste of money at a time when there are so many other priorities and countless better ways to spend £23,000.

Labour councillor Murrae Blair-Park at the public conveniences in Ashby. Photo: Supplied

"The toilets are an important part of our community, and it matters that they are accessible.

"Since the toilets have been free entry the footfall has increased considerably, and we want it to stay that way.

"We have very little information about how the money will be spent and how it will benefit the public. This scheme is likely to deter people from using the toilets and Labour is calling for the decision to be reversed."

The opposition members believe there should have been a public consultation and want the council to provide evidence that the scheme has been properly planned.

The new charge is one which the district says is in line with neighbouring Leicestershire authorities. The contactless scheme will operate for those using either Google or Apple Pay, but coin payments will still be in place for those unable to use cards or phones.

But the toilets will remain free for anyone using a RADAR key.

Cllr Michael Wyatt, the council's portfolio holder for communities, said: "We want to ensure value for money for taxpayers across the district, and reintroducing charges for the public toilets will see the cost of the service reduced.

"With more people using electronic payments instead of coins, it is important that we make our public toilets as accessible as possible.

"Our accessible toilets will continue to be free for anyone using a RADAR key, and will provide coin-entry for those preferring to use cash.

"While we're pleased to say that footfall has increased in both towns since the pandemic, this is ultimately down to the hard work of our local businesses and community groups making Ashby and Coalville places that people want to visit."

Both sites, which will soon charge 30p for use, will be out of action for two days from Monday, November 27.