Builth anger as public toilets miss out in Powys upgrades
BUILTH Wells Town Council says it will contact authorities after the town's public toilets were not included in a £500,000 upgrade along key Powys travel routes across announced last week.
Half a million pounds will be spent on upgrading public toilets in Powys, as part of a Welsh Government grant, awarded to Powys County Council (PCC).
The money will enable the refurbishment of toilets across Knighton, Llandrindod Wells, Llanwrtyd Wells and Rhayader, with the work expected to be completed by next year.
Builth Town Council, however, has questioned why town centre toilets in Builth are not part of the upgrade, considering it is a key location in Powys – the town is a busy crossroads where the A470 and A483 meet.
'This £500K does not include Builth. We will be contacting Powys County Council and Jane Dodds to ask for an explanation as to why Builth was not included,' the council said in a post on its Facebook page on June 7 – the same day the grant was announced.
'They seem to have not considered Builth as a key travel route, despite it being a crossroads of the A470 and A483, as well as our current toilets being a key asset to visitors and locals.'
In response to the post, Anna Jarvis, whose husband Lee organises the weekly Groe Parkrun event every Saturday, added: 'I know for a fact the toilets are essential for Parkrun every week.
'The money and tourists that it brings to town, without all the other needs for them, PCC should definitely be including Builth in this.'
The funding was secured through the budget deal between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
Improvements will be made to six public facilities in total, with Llandrindod also expected to become the first town in Mid Wales to offer a changing places toilet alongside individual cubicles.
All sites will see disabled facilities improved and redecorated and, where not currently available, baby changing stations will be added.
In a joint statement Councillor Jackie Charlton, cabinet member for a Greener Powys, and Councillor James Gibson-Watt, cabinet member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: 'This funding is extremely welcome. We know how important it is for public conveniences to be reliable, accessible and welcoming.
'This investment will help ensure these toilets are truly fit for purpose and meet the future needs of our communities and visitors to our beautiful county.'
Modernisation plans include efforts to install solar PV panels where possible, to help reduce energy costs – with water harvesting systems also added to ensure the facilities are more self-sustainable.
The Welsh Government said the changes will mean families, residents, tourists and commuters between North and South Wales with severe disabilities will, for the first time, be able to explore the local area knowing they can rely on a fully accessible, welcoming facility that meets their needs.
'We love to welcome visitors to Wales, with our promise of amazing scenery and experiences,' said cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, Rebecca Evans.
'But we also know that getting the basics right is essential, which is why these improvements are so important.
'Quality infrastructure such as public toilets are vital for accessibility and are essential for allowing us to extend our warm, Welsh welcome to everyone.'
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