A BUILTH Wells public toilet will continue to receive Welsh Government maintenance funding for another year, allowing the block to stay open.

Builth Wells Town Council confirmed it will receive £13,000 for the Groe car park toilets for a further 12 months.

There had been concerns the money was coming to an end for both the Groe car park in Builth Wells and the Dark Lane toilets in Rhayader.

Builth Wells Town Council said it could no longer continue to fund the Groe toilets after May 31 unless it had confirmation of funding from the Welsh Government.

A letter sent by Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Ken Skates, said the Welsh Government will “continue to help fund the upkeep of the toilets at both locations for the financial year”.

Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrats AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, has been working with the town councils involved to request that Cabinet Secretary continue funding the facilities.

Mr Skates confirmed he will extend the funding and in the long-term will be looking at a Wales-wide review into funding for public toilets.

Ms Williams AM said: “I am delighted that this decision has been reached. These toilets serve an important function for trunk road users and also the economy of the towns, I am very pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has recognised that strategic importance as well.

“I would like to thank the town councils of Builth Wells and Rhayader, and Cllr Kelvyn Curry, whose constructive approach has played a large role in securing the future of the toilets.

“We must continue to make the case for public toilets in these times of shrinking budgets, because they are absolutely vital for visitors to our area and for many of the most vulnerable people in society.”