Public toilets to be refurbished

Conwy Council is set to spend £105,000 to refurbish two public toilets before handing them over to community councils.
Councillors on the economy and place committee have been asked to approve the refurbishment and transfer of the public conveniences at Llanrwst and Dolwyddelan.
The dilapidated toilets are in a poor state of repair and a decision has to be made about their future soon before they would have to be closed, officers have told councillors.
A report to members of the economy and place committee, which will discuss the plans tomorrow, said: “The local ownership and operation would not only reduce the operating costs, but also ensure the operations of facilities in a rural area popular with tourists into the future.
“The local operations of such facilities could also provide some limited employment for local residents.”
The refurbishment of the facilities will cost about £105,000, including all fees and charges for the completion of the transfer.
Cllr Greg Robbins, the cabinet member responsible for the environment and transport, said: “This transfer to the town and community councils will enable a sustainable public toilet service to be maintained at these locations with
the requirements of the local communities being served more efficiently.
“The refurbishment of the toilets will greatly improve the facilities available.”
Llanrwst county councillor Aaron Wynne also welcomed the plans.
He said: “Llanrwst Town Council are eager to adopt the public conveniences at Wailing Street, Llanrwst, once the planned refurbishments which have been agreed are undertaken.
“The town council wish to work with Conwy Council to ensure conveniences such as this in Llanrwst remain open to the public.”
Betws y Coed county councillor Liz Roberts said: “Dolwyddelan Community Council is a forward thinking group and recognise that to sustain these important toilets they would have to take them on.
“We look forward to seeing the refurbished toilets and taking ownership of them.”

By Shane Brennan – Local Democracy Reporter