Gardeners tending to their north Watford allotments can now make use of a new “green toilet”.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill joined members of the new Cherry Tree Allotment and Gardening Association to unveil the new toilet, which was paid for by Watford Borough Council.

Ian Mather, project coordinator, said: “The new toilet’s innovative design means it has a very low impact on the environment. Made primarily with wood from sustainable forests, the toilet employs a simple waterless technology to break down waste using only heat and air.

“This odourless process is quite rapid, taking just a few weeks. When completed any residues are simply composted as part of a ‘hot composting’ process, where it is mixed with ordinary green waste. This compost is then available to be used by the tenants on their plots if they wish.”

The new toilet is one of a number of improvements being carried out at the allotment, off Berry Avenue, by the council for tenants, who will soon be managing it for themselves.