Cheltenham's "War on Wee" begins with installation of special paint
The repellent will leave public urinators wet legged during the festival
Last updated 8th Mar 2023
Ahead of the festival next week, Cheltenham Borough Council has begun its "War on Wee" by installing hydrophobic paint onto the walls of the town centre.
The magic paint repels wee, hopefully leaving public urinators wet legged.
Businesses and residents were able to apply to have it put on their properties, with the most at risk of anti-social behaviour being given priority.
The first area to be covered in the special paint was the alleyway just off the High Street between New Look and Barnardos.
For anyone who treats Cheltenham as their toilet, cabinet member economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing, Councillor Max Wilkinson says "They should be left embarrassed.
"They should be embarrassed by their actions in the first place, but this hydrophobic paint is likely to mean they're left with wet trousers and wet shoes.
"That'll tell everyone who they meet exactly what they've been doing, and of course we are asking police to take law enforcement action against the people weeing in public."
"Have fun this race week but ... please don’t take the #!$%"
One business taking part in the "War on Wee" campaign is the store Beards, their managing director Alex Rose hopes it'll discourage individuals and fully supports "any initiative to keep the town clean, respectable and free of theses types of ant-social issues."
Cheltenham Borough Council, the Racecourse and Gloucestershire Police say they will work closely to cut out any anti social behaviour.
With 250,000 spectators and visitors expected at this year's Cheltenham Festival, additional measures are being put in place to combat any disorder.
This includes the Jockey Club's 'Love your Turf' campaign installing additional portaloos around the town, with more police and stewards along Evesham Road (a key route for the racecourse) to make sure everyone enjoys themselves appropriately.
The Cheltenham Race Festival gets underway next Tuesday, 14 March before coming to an end after the Gold Cup on Friday, 17th March.