The town council of Porthcawl, Wales, is walking back its proposed set of renovations to the public restrooms in Griffin Park after receiving unexpected international backlash for its features.
According to the design and access statement given to Bridgend County Borough Council, the toilet rooms would be equipped with weight sensors that force the door open at a certain mass threshold and cold water jets that fire upon detection of vigorous movements.
Other features of the restroom cubicles would be a set timer to deter those who are homeless and an additional water feature that would douse the user if smoke was detected.
From weight-related concerns for those who need assistance in the restroom to fears of being sprayed for making the slightest movement, netizens were quick to clap back against the statement with a number of concerns.
Perhaps in response to the public concern both near and far, the town council has since made it clear that they will simply be renovating the restrooms to include new, traditional toilets.
"The town council has never had any intention of installing any floor or other movement sensors, any restricted time entry; there will not be water sprays, or self-opening doors, no weight sensitive floor and no dousing equipment as described in the statement,” claimed the council. "Appropriate amendments will be made to the design and access statement as necessary."
The council maintains that their proposal was “misinterpreted” by the public.
The Porthcawl Town Council is responsible for £135,000 of the renovation’s £170,000 cost, while the Bridgend Council will fund the remaining £35,000, reported the BBC.