Closure plan for toilets in Flintshire leaves people desperate for solutions
Flintshire Council said the toilets are 'no longer financially sustainable'. They were due close on September 8, 2025, unless a viable alternative is found, but a public consultation is now being organised amid complaints the decision was not properly scrutinised.
The sites include the Bus Station in Mold, off High Street in Holywell and Station Road in Talacre. Since the announcement, a special council meeting has been called by opposition councillors and the proposal will be debated on August 7.
Oppoisition to another cut in public services is being fueled by Flintshire's 9.5% Council Tax hike this year, following a 9% rise in 2024. A Change.org petition, organised by Mold resident Sue Price, is fast closing in on 600 signatures with the aim of reaching 3,000 names. You can find this here.
She argues that everyone will lose out if the Mold bus station facility closes – from parents to commuters and elderly bus passengers. The facility is also used by tourists, shoppers and bus drivers, she said.
Sue stressed the loss of public toilets would compromise the Welsh Government's climate change and active travel agendas – to get more people using public transport as well as walking and cycling.
'Closing essential facilities at a major transport interchange like Mold Bus Station discourages the use of active and public transport – undermining both climate goals and public health efforts to promote healthier lifestyles,' she wrote.
Vulnerable people and disabled groups were likely to suffer the most, which could amount to 'indirect discrimination', she added.
Another Change.org petition has been launched to save Holywell's toilets. This one, by Nathan Evans, highlighted the damage closing them would cause to the town centre already in 'gradual decline'. It can be found here.
Calling for greater resources, not just to retain the toilets but to upgrade the High Street, he wrote: 'Closing them would not only inconvenience many people but also discourage foot traffic into our local businesses, potentially leading to a further economic downturn of our beloved High Street.
'Investing in the High Street must be a priority. Improving the business environment, perhaps by offering incentives to local shops or improving the aesthetic appeal with greenery and seating areas, can make a significant difference.'
Flintshire Council wants to explore funding options or partnerships – it is seeking expressions of interest from town and community councils to take on the ownership and ongoing operation of the toilets.
In addition, a public consultation will be held from September, seeking ideas for 'alternative solutions' to keep the facilities open.
Without a viable transfer agreement in place, the facilities will have to close, said Council leader Cllr David Hughes. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
He added: 'This is not a decision the council has taken lightly. We recognise the importance of these amenities to the local communities and visitors.
'We are committed to working constructively with partner organisations to explore all available alternatives.
"I want to reassure the public that, whilst we seek alternative providers to run these facilities, and until we have exhausted all viable options, these amenities will continue to operate.'
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