Public toilets in Conwy reprieved after consultation

Public toilets in Conwy which were threatened with closure have been given a reprieve.

The council had planned to halve their number by 57 to 29.

But protesters voiced strong opposition and after holding a public consultation the authority has decided to keep the toilets open.

Conwy's cabinet member for environment Mike Priestley said he does not intend to compulsorily close any of the public conveniences there.

"The review of our service was never about saving money," he said.

"We aimed to improve the service by spending money from closed facilities on refurbishing others.

"But during the consultation many people have said that they would rather have a basic facility than none at all."

Vandalised

Over a million people - many of them tourists - use Conwy's toilets every year and an extensive public consultation, over a number of years, has taken place with much opposition to any closures.

Mr Priestley announced the reprieve after consulting with the council leader, cabinet colleagues and the senior executive team.

He added: "Our budget will not extend to significant refurbishment or improvement of any of these facilities, and I must stress that if any are vandalised or damaged we may not have the funds to repair them and they may be closed until money is available.

"However, I'm still committed to working with town and community councils, local groups and businesses to look at opportunities to improve the service, whether by transferring responsibility or contribution to running costs."