In 2024, Conwy County Borough Council announced that 19 of its 40 public toilets would close. Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, has called for greater access to public toilets across the constituency and criticised the impacts that the cuts have had on vulnerable residents.
Janet commented:
“Access to public toilets is not a luxury , it is a basic, humane service that local authorities should provide.
“I have had numerous constituents raise this as a key concern. Many people now feel they cannot stay out in public spaces, go for walks, or enjoy what our area has to offer for as long as they would like because the facilities simply are not there. This particularly affects elderly residents, families with young children, and people living with medical conditions who rely on accessible toilets.
“One constituent told me they went on a long walk with friends and, when they finally reached Llanrwst, they discovered the public toilet locked. Situations like this leave people feeling embarrassed, uncomfortable, and in some cases unable to leave their homes for long periods.
“In many cases it has been local businesses stepping in where the Council has stepped back. For example, the George and Dragon Public House has kindly opened its toilets to members of the public, something they should not have to do to compensate for cuts in basic public services.
“These closures were originally justified as part of the Council managing its budget. Yet residents are now facing another 6% increase in council tax , around 30% over the past three years, with some households paying an additional £207 per year.
“If residents are being asked to pay more and more each year, it is not unreasonable to expect the Council to maintain basic services. Cutting access to something as fundamental as public toilets sends entirely the wrong message about the priorities of the Council.
“Without action, residents and visitors alike will continue to struggle, vulnerable people will be disproportionately affected, and the reputation of our towns , along with the local economy, will suffer.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
