Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has urged Conwy County Borough Council to reconsider its decision to close half of its public toilets.

The closure of 20 facilities across the county borough was announced last week, in a bid by the local authority to cut expenditure.

Under the plans, Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea will be left with just two facilities, both of which will charge a fee for use.

Many other currently free facilities are also set to introduce charges for use.

Just 21 public conveniences are set to remain open across the area with some only open seasonally between Easter and September, while 19 facilities in the Council’s own buildings will also be open for public use.

Commenting on the plans, Darren said:

“I am very disappointed by this short-sighted and counterproductive decision by Conwy County Borough Council.

“We’ve already seen a steep decline in the availability of public conveniences in recent years, so this decision represents a massive blow for communities across the area.

“While I appreciate that local authorities are under significant financial pressure at the moment, I do not believe that cutting vital public facilities is the answer to this.

“The biggest impact of this decision will be felt by elderly and disabled people, as well as parents with children. That’s not to mention the tourists that will be put off from visiting the area.

“I have made representations to the local authority to express my profound concerns, and to urge decision-makers to reconsider their position.”