Monmouthshire loo problems remain (From Free Press Series)

Monmouthshire loo problems remain

10:10am Sunday 3rd February 2013 in News

 DISABLED toilets being used for storage and charges of £3,650 a year just to lock up are just two of the problems facing public toilets in Monmouthshire, a scrutiny panel heard.

Despite making £200,000- worth of savings from the public toilets budget by transferring some responsibility to community and town councils, there has been little reinvestment and improvements suggested three years ago have not been acted upon, the meeting heard.

Problems raised in 2009 included facilities not complying with disability legislation; lights on 24 hours a day; poor signage and no clear opening hours.

The issues were raised in a report by Monmouthshire county councillors David Jones and Val Smith, presented to the meeting of the Strong Communities select committee.

Cllr Smith and Cllr Jones visited all 31 public toilets, 26 of which are still open to the public, and found that at least 10 facilities have had no changes made to them.

One public toilet in Bulwark was removed after it cost £14,180 to run but only brought into £30 income, charging 20p to use.

Disabled toilets at Chepstow Tourist Information Centre were being used for storage, while the toilets on the A449 Gibraltar Tunnels in Monmouth, for which the Welsh Government are responsible, were described as “a disgusting advert for our county”.

A Welsh Government grant of £500 a year, given to businesses who agree to let the public use their toilets, has only been taken up by one business, despite advertising, said Cllr Smith.

“We must look for better standards and ensure some capital goes into these buildings,”

she said.