A scheme aimed at increasing the number of toilets open to the public has been a roaring success and Gwynedd Council is calling on more private businesses to get on board.
Thanks to the Welsh Assembly Public Conveniences Grant Scheme, the Council can offer grants of up to £500 for businesses such as shops, cafes, garages and pubs towards the costs of making their toilets open for the public to use.
Funding will ensure toilets are clean and that there are facilities such as toilet paper, somewhere to wash and dry hands and proper rubbish bins. Those taking part in the scheme will receive a bilingual sign to put in the window to let people know the toilets are open for general use.
To date, 28 businesses across Gwynedd have taken up the scheme and there is still cash in the pot for more businesses to get on board.
Gwynedd Council’s Senior Environment Portfolio Leader, Councillor Gareth Roberts said:
“The fact that the Council must deliver £16 million of savings over the next three years means that we have no option but to find new and creative ways of delivering some services that would otherwise inevitably have to be cut.
“I am delighted that by working with private businesses across the county we have been able to open a number of toilets to the public in areas where there would be no facilities otherwise.
“I would like to thank everybody who has worked with us to deliver these solutions and urge more business owners to get on board with this innovative scheme.”
Businesses interested in this scheme should contact Gwynedd Council’s Highways and Municipal Department for an information pack and an application form. Visit the website www.gwynedd.gov.uk telephone 01766 771000 or e-mail [email protected]
Raymond Lennon, landlord of the Halfway House in Bontddu, Meirionnydd said: “I read about this scheme in the local paper and I thought it was a good idea and I would recommend the scheme to others.
“We already had a lot of people coming into the pub asking if they could use the toilets so it was a natural step for us to be a part of this scheme. I think it’s a good idea to have a sign so that people don’t feel uncomfortable about walking in, using the facilities and leaving.”
And, Haydn Thomas, of Caffi Cei, Caernarfon said: “We have been part of this scheme for a year and a half and I would recommend it to other businesses. I think it can help the town and make visitors feel more welcome.
“A friend told me about the scheme so I contacted the Council and filled in the paperwork. The scheme was straightforward for me and we didn’t have to change anything in the café.”
