Officials in Cheltenham are using “wee-repellent paint” to stop festival goers to stop people letting nature call in public. 

Hundreds of thousands are making their way to the small English town ahead of one of the biggest horse-racing festivals in the country. 

Cheltenham Borough Council, however, has warned those fans that of its “war on wee” and public urination.

Cabinet Member Max Wilkinson told Moncrieff there’s “no excuse for not using a proper loo”. 

“Just hold on for those extra couple of minutes,” he said. “I know it’s really difficult after a few pints of Guinness or cider but please just don’t wee in the streets. 

“Maybe it's a case of planning better when you leave the racecourse.” 

Mr Wilkinson explained this year, the town of Cheltenham will retaliate against any attempted urination with “hydrophobic paint”. 

“It’s effectively wee-repellent paint which is gone on some of the walls around the town,” he said. 

“You won’t know where it is because it’s clear. 

“You might find yourself down some back alley thinking you found a quiet place to wee when it will be obvious to everyone else what you’ve been doing when you emerge again. 

“Anyone who does decide to slip down a back alley might find themselves with wet shoes and wet trousers.” 

In the UK, public urination was made a criminal offence under the 1986 Public Order Act. The act carries the risk of a fine between £50 and £80 (€58.60 to €93.80). 

Public order at Cheltenham

Mr Wilkinson said public urination is “particularly unpleasant for women in the town”. 

“The vast majority of racegoers come to our town have great time, spend money in our bars and pubs and do that without any trouble,” he said. 

“There's a minority who seem intent on urinating in public even though there’s loads of extra temporary toilets put out during race week. 

“All we’re asking is that everyone who comes here, including our Irish guests, just enjoys themselves has a good time, but treats the town like they would their own.” 

The 2024 Cheltenham Festival officially begins tomorrow, March 12th, before finishing on Friday with its 100th annual Gold Cup. 

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