Conwy public toilets saved from closureBy Mari JonesOct 31 2012 PUBLIC toilets facing the axe in Conwy county have been given a late reprieve, as the council backtracks on its closure plans.
The news will delight campaigners who have been battling to save the toilets from being shut.
Conwy County Council had planned to reduce the county’s public conveniences from 57 to 29, to save costs.
However, after holding a public consultation the authority has realised the strength of local feeling to keep the toilets open.
According to the council’s own figures, over a million people use the public conviences every year in Conwy.
Those that were under threat include Gwydir Park in Llanrwst, Rhos on Sea paddling pool, Trefriw, and Watling Street in Llanrwst.
Protestors from across the county handed in petitions signed by thousands of people to keep them open, and many were worried the closures would affect the tourist trade.
Darren Millar AM had even raised the matter at the Senedd saying it was “essential to safeguard” the provision of public lavatories. He pointed out that as a high proportion of the local population in Conwy are elderly, many need to use the conveniences regularly because of medical issues.
Cllr Mike Priestley, who holds the environment portfolio, said: “We’ve listened to the people and come to the conclusion that our communities would prefer an open toilet rather than a closed on, even if they are in a poor state.
“I’ve also submitted a business case to the council to ask for an extra £430,000 in next year’s budget on top of the £640,000 we already get to run the toilets.
“I would like to have the money to refurbish the toilets in Station Road, Betws y Coed, Conwy Quay, Llandudno paddling pool and the ones in George Street in Llandudno.
“But there’s no guarantee we’ll get the extra money as budgets are very tight at the moment, but we should find out in December.
“However, as we are striving to make public conveniences more sustainable there will be a 20p charge to use the refurbished toilets, although they will be free for the disabled.”
Cllr Priestley would also like private businesses or community groups to come forward who are interested in running any of the toilets.
“There are opportunities out there for community groups and businesses.
“For instance, if someone took on the running of the Rhos on Sea paddling pool ones, then we could discuss opening a kiosk on the site.
“A brilliant example is what Dan’s Den has done in Eirias Park. They’ve taken on the toilets and opened up a youth cafe.”
Town and community councils willing to maintain toilets would be supplied with financial costs.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2012/10/31/conwy-public-toilets-saved-from-closure-55578-32137313/
