If wondering what happens to the water when you flush the loo is driving you round the bend - a transparent lavatory bowl could be the answer, writes Tim Hughes.

The unusual bathroom device is one of several "hands-on" attractions planned for a new £1.7m tourist attraction designed to pull in the crowds.

The specially designed lavatory that gives an insight into what goes on beyond the pan is merely one of several exhibits proposed for Wallingford's new Water Discovery Centre.

The attractions have been designed by the Wallingford-based Water Environment Trust - a consortium of local scientists and ecologists. The museum is being billed as a hi-tech exhibition and activity centre that will promote better public understanding of the water industry.

It could also feature a glass-sided lift which would take visitors up through an indoor waterfall. A cyber cafe is also on the menu, giving people access to water industry websites.

The trust - which is run by staff from HR Wallingford, the institute of Hydrology, the Environment Agency and other local bodies - hopes to build the centre on the site of the town's former post office in St Martin's Street.

The trust claims the Water Discovery Centre will put Wallingford on the map and attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world. Trust secretary Carol Watts said: "We are excited by the plans. There are lots of interesting ideas and it's all really good fun."

She said exhibits such as the transparent lavatory would help spread greater awareness of environmental issues.

"People don't think about what happens to water when it is disposed from their WC so they should find this interesting. We hope they will think more carefully about conserving water," added Ms Watts.

Institute of Hydrology spokesman Rob Flavin said: "We are looking at ways of promoting sensible water use. We should aim to get the most out of every litre that we use."

Story date: Thursday 02 December

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