Smaller councils asked to take over toilets
A letter has been sent to some town and community councils in Carmarthenshire asking if they would like to take over the public toilets in their areas.
It follows a review of public conveniences in Carmarthenshire carried out by a Task and Finish Group from the county council's Environment Scrutiny Committee.
The group looked at a range of options for future provision and concluded that the cost of operating 33 grade 2 public facilities – currently £226,000 a year – was not sustainable.
The move – which was backed by the council’s Executive Board - will help to improve the quality of the service and provide it in a more cost-effective way.
Town and community councils which agree to take over facilities will be given a one-off payment of £500 to assist with any minor upgrades.
Director of Technical Services Richard Workman said: “Over the last 10 years there has been an increasing trend for local communities to take on a greater responsibility for the delivery of local services, such as the provision of public toilets. This has been based on the principle that the ownership and delivery services at a local level can provide for a better quality of service, as the delivery of these services can then be matched with the needs and expectations of the local community.
“There is also the potential for these services to be delivered on a more cost-effective basis at a local level as it may be possible to integrate the arrangements for the delivery of the service with existing community-based services such as the management and maintenance of a community hall or playing fields.”
The council is now awaiting responses from the town and community councils before any final decision can be made on the future of the service and the viability of keeping the facilities open.
As well as the 33 grade 2 facilities, the council’s Street Scene division also has nine Superloos, managed on behalf of the authority by Danfo. The Superloos will not be affected.
Executive board member for Technical Services Councillor Philip Hughes said: “Although the provision of public conveniences is one of the council’s longest-established municipal services in existence, it does not have a statutory obligation to provide it.
“During these difficult financial times we need to work more with partner organisations including town and community councils to deliver services but in a different way.”
The 33 grade 2 facilities: Carrreg Cennen Castle; Llanstephan Green; Kidwelly; Llanstephan Car Park, Pendine Main Car Park; Gorslas; Pendine Spring Well; Ammanford Co-op; Ferryside; Ammanford Central Park; Whiltland; Tumble; Cross Hands; Drefach Velindre; Newcastle Emlyn Mart Car Park; Talley; Pontweli, Llandysul; Abergorlech; Burry Port; Llanybydder Car Park; Cenarth; Llansaint; Glanaman; Alltwallis; Llanboidy; Brechfa; Cynwyl Elfed; Llanpumpsaint; Meinciau; Llanybydder (near Cross Hands Hotel); Llanddowror Meidrim; Pencader.
It follows a review of public conveniences in Carmarthenshire carried out by a Task and Finish Group from the county council's Environment Scrutiny Committee.
The group looked at a range of options for future provision and concluded that the cost of operating 33 grade 2 public facilities – currently £226,000 a year – was not sustainable.
The move – which was backed by the council’s Executive Board - will help to improve the quality of the service and provide it in a more cost-effective way.
Town and community councils which agree to take over facilities will be given a one-off payment of £500 to assist with any minor upgrades.
Director of Technical Services Richard Workman said: “Over the last 10 years there has been an increasing trend for local communities to take on a greater responsibility for the delivery of local services, such as the provision of public toilets. This has been based on the principle that the ownership and delivery services at a local level can provide for a better quality of service, as the delivery of these services can then be matched with the needs and expectations of the local community.
“There is also the potential for these services to be delivered on a more cost-effective basis at a local level as it may be possible to integrate the arrangements for the delivery of the service with existing community-based services such as the management and maintenance of a community hall or playing fields.”
The council is now awaiting responses from the town and community councils before any final decision can be made on the future of the service and the viability of keeping the facilities open.
As well as the 33 grade 2 facilities, the council’s Street Scene division also has nine Superloos, managed on behalf of the authority by Danfo. The Superloos will not be affected.
Executive board member for Technical Services Councillor Philip Hughes said: “Although the provision of public conveniences is one of the council’s longest-established municipal services in existence, it does not have a statutory obligation to provide it.
“During these difficult financial times we need to work more with partner organisations including town and community councils to deliver services but in a different way.”
The 33 grade 2 facilities: Carrreg Cennen Castle; Llanstephan Green; Kidwelly; Llanstephan Car Park, Pendine Main Car Park; Gorslas; Pendine Spring Well; Ammanford Co-op; Ferryside; Ammanford Central Park; Whiltland; Tumble; Cross Hands; Drefach Velindre; Newcastle Emlyn Mart Car Park; Talley; Pontweli, Llandysul; Abergorlech; Burry Port; Llanybydder Car Park; Cenarth; Llansaint; Glanaman; Alltwallis; Llanboidy; Brechfa; Cynwyl Elfed; Llanpumpsaint; Meinciau; Llanybydder (near Cross Hands Hotel); Llanddowror Meidrim; Pencader.
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