THE LOOS at the Brecon Cultural Hub, Y Gaer have been praised by members of cabinet.

Powys County Council (PCC) has recently taken possession of the £13m Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery, which has spiralled in costs and was supposed to open on St David’s Day, March 1.

Y Gaer (Welsh for Fort) was mentioned as cabinet members approved the Local Toilet Strategy for the county, following a three month consultation.

Portfolio holder for adult services Cllr  Stephen Hayes, (Independent – Montgomery), said: “I was really pleased to see the changing facilities provided in Y Gaer, our new building in Brecon.

“I welcome and encourage the provision of changing places for adults in the county.

“It is a real prohibitive factor for many people’s social lives, that they can never be sure of opportunity for changing if need be, and many people need those facilities.

“Maybe it’s a need that’s not been recognise, but it’s rightfully coming to the fore.”

Education portfolio holder Cllr Myfanwy Alexander believed this issue affected tourism.

Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture, Cllr Rachel Powell  (Independent – Beguildy), added: “For people who struggle with medical problems, knowing where a public convenience is really important to plan your day.”

She also highlighted that baby change facilities should be available for both women and men.

“Culture is changing and needs are changing,” said Cllr Powell.

Part 8 of the Public Health Wales Act,  which came into force on May 2018, expects each county council in Wales to prepare and publish a local toilets strategy for its area.

The report suggested  that how toilet need is calculated, should include commuters, tourists, visitors and residents.

This is because Powys attracts 4.6 million visitors a year especially during the summer months.

Research by PCC staff found that there are publicly accessible toilet facilities available throughout the county, with at least one in each of the main towns.

A gap had been found  in toilet provision in more rural areas, and along the vast road network.

The lack of baby changing facilities and changing places for adults had been highlighted.

PCC currently owns and maintains only two public conveniences in the whole county. These are at the Brecon and Ystradgynlais Transport Interchanges.

In recent years a total of 56 public conveniences have been transferred to other organisations.

127 people took part in the consultation which finished in April and said there was “significant concern” about toilet facility provision for both residents and visitors.

They said:

  • 78 per cent hadn’t paid to use a public toilet.
  • 22 per cent were charged
  • 54 per cent of people found it difficult to find a toilet when visiting another town
  • 72 per cent feel more commercial outlets should offer customer toilets
  • 81  per cent would use a mobile app to find a toilet

The strategy will come into force on May 31 and the data will be given to the Welsh Government to be put online.