PUBLIC toilets in a bustling area of Builth Wells will be closed for the next month as part of an experiment to target vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Builth Wells Town Council announced last week that the Groe public toilets will be closed each day from 3pm for the next month, on a trial basis, in the hopes of combatting the issue.

The council made the announcement via its Facebook page last Wednesday (October 11), although the post was later removed after it sparked criticism from locals. Builth residents voiced concerns that the decision would lead to a downturn in tourism and money coming into the town.

The town council did, however, confirm that the trial closure period is going ahead. It said the daily closure from 3pm would be reviewed in four weeks.

County Times: The public toilets in the Groe car park in Builth Wells will be closed from 3pm daily for the next month. The public toilets in the Groe car park in Builth Wells will be closed from 3pm daily for the next month. (Image: Archive.)

It apologised for any inconvenience caused during the period and said that there is an alternative, with the toilets in nearby Strand Street to remain open fully. The shower unit on the Groe will also still be available.

A council spokesperson confirmed that the cost of running the public loos counts for a lot of its annual precept, adding that “all avenues” are being explored.

The council announced in early October that it was considering closing the toilets due to experiencing problems for years. This has included anti-social behaviour, drug taking and damage caused to the toilets.

An October 4 post said the toilets were regularly being “trashed” and that the custodian cleaning them is being targeted by local youths.

The council said: “The Groe public toilets are being used as a gathering place for youths.

“It has been brought to council's attention that children are meeting in the toilets after school finishes to eat, drink and cause vandalism.

“It is very upsetting that these toilets which are free to the public are being trashed on a regular basis.

“Our toilet attendant who works hard to keep these toilets clean is being spoken to in a rude and disrespectful manner.

“Council are now considering close(ing) the toilets before school finishes to stop this expensive disrespectful behaviour.”

The Groe is an important area for the town, housing a large public car park where the majority of visitors to the town park their vehicles. It is located in the heart of Builth, a minute’s walk to the town centre’s shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Damage and other issues associated with the toilets have been an issue for the town council going back more than 18 months.

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Troublemakers were warned in March 2022 that they risked action being taken against them following complaints.

The town council said issues had been raised about youths taking drugs and intimidating people using the toilets.

Councillors had threatened in October last year to close the public toilets for a portion of the day due to instances of vandalism.

The town council said it had been informed by multiple people that children of high school age have been seen eating and drinking inside the toilets; and instances of damage include blocking the sinks and turning the taps on, as well as throwing soap over the floors and walls of both toilets.

The council threatened to take action by closing both toilet blocks between 3pm and 5pm during the week.