Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has hit out at Denbighshire County Council’s proposals to close all of its public toilets.

He has branded such a move “bonkers” and said it would be discriminatory to older and disabled people and unwelcoming for visitors.

At a Community Scrutiny Committee in Ruthin tomorrow (Thursday), councillors will discuss the proposals to stop funding all 20 public conveniences in the county.

The Council estimate such a move will save them £200,000 a year, but Darren is urging them to consider the impact it will have, particularly on older and disabled people and families with babies and young children.

He said:

“I know that Denbighshire is in a difficult position financially and are looking at all ways to save money, but this proposal is just bonkers.

“Our towns and villages need public toilets. The elderly and disabled depend on them.

“The hope is that town and community councils will take on the toilets, but many of them are not in a financial position to do so, so we could end up in a position where these buildings are just left, which leaves them at risk of being vandalised.

“There is also no consideration for the vast number of visitors who come to Denbighshire each year. What kind of impression does it give to tourists if there is no where for them to go to the toilet? A family on the beach in Rhyl for example are not going to want to trapse into town and pay to go into a café just to use the toilets or baby changing facilities.

“I appreciate the council is looking to save money, but I think these proposals have been ill thought out and I urge the officers and councillors who came up with these ludicrous proposals to go back to the drawing board. Public toilets should not be on the table when it comes to cutting services.”