Some asked ‘what do we actually pay for’ while others say the loos could be transformed into shops and coffee bars
A council has put six of its former public toilets up for sale. Councils across Wales have been closing loos in recent years to cut costs – to the anger of many.
This has included Cyngor Gwynedd where a number of locations have shut. Now the local authority has put six sites up for sale – with tender bids invited.
The news has divided opinions.
Many local residents are fuming that toilets are being closed despite rising council tax bills.
But others say the empty buildings could provide new opportunities – with examples of former toilets being used to create businesses or even homes.
One couple spent 10 years transforming an old toilet block into a property in Barmouth.
Cyngor Gwynedd said tender bids are invited for the freehold title of the public toilet building in these areas: Penygroes, Llithfaen, Pen Gorllewin Pwllheli, Tremadog, Clynnog Fawr, Bontddu.
Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
The sell off – announced on Cyngor Gwynedd’s Facebook page – has wound up some locals.
One person said: “The whole point of the tourism tax is to keep these open and support these sort of facilities…so I can only assume that in selling these off, Gwynedd won’t be introducing the tourism tax here!”
Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Another added: “It’s ridiculous closing public toilets, I have a condition that I need the toilet quick, and you’re closing then, where are people supposed to go?”
Someone questioned where their taxes were going.
They said: “Surely it would pay to reopen these toilets with the amount of rates going up, what do we actually pay for because we see nothing but closure all over the place.
“No wonder people use grass verges and bushes that the council have to clear up, costing much more than it would to open and employ someone to clean them.
One person said: “They did this in Brighton when I lived there, they were transformed into lovely buildings, flower shops, coffee bars, sandwich shops, etc.
“Better that than sat there rotting away.”
Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
