A War on Wee has once again been declared against people who urinate in public during Cheltenham Festival.

Water-repellent paint will be made available to affected residents and businesses, as a deterrent to thoughtless racegoers who can't be bothered to use a toilet.

Record numbers are expected at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. Between March 12 and 15, upwards of 250,000 racegoers and visitors will arrive in the town, ready for a party and a lot to drink.

During previous festivals, despite additional temporary toilets along the main routes to the racecourse, many visitors still chose to pee in public.

That's why the council, working with partners and communities, is introducing the water-repellent paint. Anyone who wees against it will find themselves with an embarrassing wet patch on their trousers!

Cllr Max Wilkinson, cabinet member economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing, said: "Cheltenham people are sick of seeing a minority of disrespectful racegoers urinating in public in broad daylight. It's absolutely not on. We want people to have a good time and enjoy the races, but please treat our town with respect too.

"There are plenty of extra temporary loos placed all around the town and there's no excuse for weeing in broad daylight. People who decide to wee in public should be under no illusion - they could end up with wet trousers if they pick one of the walls covered in water-repellent paint."

The council aims to make the water-repellent paint available well in advance of the March Festival and asks businesses and residents to register their interest through the council's online engagement hub.

Heath Gunter, chief executive at Cheltenham BID, said: "As last year, we are hoping that the water-repellent paint will discourage individuals from urinating on the walls in town. Such behaviour is unpleasant to witness and creates extra cleaning responsibilities for local businesses."

The anti-wee initiative will again be supported by a #KeepItCleanCheltenham campaign, due to launch in time for Race Week, which aims to raise awareness and stamp down on antisocial behaviour including public urinating and littering.

The council is also working with Cheltenham Racecourse and Gloucestershire Constabulary to increase the number of temporary public toilets, visibility at key points and junctions and issuing fixed penalty notices to people who still chose to pee in public.

Punchline-Gloucester.com said: "Cheltenham Festival is a huge boost to business in the town, but sadly some racegoers really take the pee and treat their surroundings with a lack of respect. That is why we totally support the council and Cheltenham BID with the War on Wee."