Shops join Boris's plan to make it free to spend a penny

RETAIL giants Tesco, John Lewis, Sainsbury's, Borders, and Marks and Spencer have become the first companies to sign up to Boris Johnson's scheme to increase access to lavatories in the capital.

There has been a 40 per cent decline in facilities in London since 1999 - particularly affecting the elderly and families with small children.

The Open London scheme promotes businesses that allow the public to use their facilities during opening hours without the need to buy anything.

Mr Johnson said: "I am delighted that some of this country's biggest high street names are among the first to join my Open London scheme and I want to thank them on behalf of Londoners for allowing the public to use their toilets.

"I'm sure that the scheme will bring real benefits to the businesses thanks to the extra visitors it will bring to their premises."