'Huge disappointment' as controversial toilet closures get green light

COUNTY INSISTS IT CAN NO LONGER AFFORD'NON-STATUTORY'SERVICE

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter

DENBIGHSHIRE Council's cabinet has voted in favour of closing public toilets in St Asaph, Rhuddlan and Dyserth.

During a meeting at the council's Ruthin County Hall HQ on Tuesday, the chamber heard how a review of public toilets found there was “no identifiable need” for the facilities.

However, there was huge public opposition to the plans, with more than 1,400 residents contacting the council as part of a public consultation last year.

During the meeting, Cllr Peter Scott said: “St Asaph, the city in Denbighshire with no toilets - not a good look. You can visit St Asaph, but you can’t go to the toilet.

“The cost of keeping the toilets open is a drop in the ocean, really, against the goodwill the council will lose.”

Rhuddlan councillor Anne Davies also slammed the proposals, saying: “It is a huge disappointment to see the recommendations in front of us to close Rhuddlan’s public toilets.

“I'm not sure how you identified the need, because I believe there is a need in Rhuddlan for these toilets.

“If you talk to the residents, if you know the residents as well as I do, particularly those with health needs, we do need them.

“Rhuddlan has a wealth of historic value, and this attracts lots of visitors, and then they support the businesses.

“We have, in Denbighshire, the highest percentage of old people in Rhuddlan. Surely that should be considered.”

Cllr Martyn Hogg even suggested he would rather see council tax increased than lose the facilities.