Moray Council has voted against reconsidering a logo for a new public toilet scheme despite concerns it is “offensive” and “divisive”.
The authority backed the design for the “comfort scheme” last month which will be introduced later this year.
The initiative will involve participating businesses opening their own toilets to members of the public after budget cuts restricted conveniences to just one in each community.
At yesterday’s full council meeting opposition members wanted the logo, which would be displayed outside premises, reconsidered following what was described as a “public outcry” about it.
Forres councillor Claire Feaver explained she had received several complaints about it and cited social media “patter” to back her concerns.
The Conservative member was supported by fellow Tory Frank Brown and independent Speyside Glenlivet representative Derek Ross, who both reported locals objecting to the design.
Council leader Graham Leadbitter revealed he had received one complaint himself but added a member of the public had also contacted him to back the plan. Forres councillor Aaron McLean referenced online polls from the Press and Journal which showed respondents were in favour of it.
Concerns about the controversial logo have centred on views that it makes light of the struggles of people who have conditions that cause them to have an urgent and sudden need to find a cubicle.
Mrs Feaver said: “Members of the public have told me that there is a time and place for being creative in the use of signs and they said they had seen some with animals and human body parts – but for some this design has caused real offence.
“We should have a sign that isn’t divisive.”
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Mr Leadbitter stressed that the logo had already been approved by a council committee and the decision should be respected.
He added: “We shouldn’t choose to review something on an ad hoc basis because we don’t like the decision that has been made. If we did that every time then it would lead to very convoluted meetings.”
The British Toilet Association, which campaigns for better access to public toilets has supported the council’s proposal.
Managing director Raymond Martin said: “I understand the objections but the sign doesn’t seem particularly offensive to me.”
Councillors voted by 13 votes to 10 against reviewing the logo.
