**Free Public Toilets in Porthcawl Facing Closure**
A public consultation has been initiated to determine the future of the public toilets located in the middle of Porthcawl, particularly the John Street toilets housed in a 100-year-old Grade II-listed building. These facilities are currently managed by Porthcawl Town Council under a licence agreement with Bridgend County Borough Council that has been in place since 2019. However, due to escalating operational costs for maintaining the century-old structure, in addition to managing another set of public toilets near Griffin Park, the local council is seeking input from residents on the fate of these facilities.
Following a public meeting held on September 7 by the town council to address the current state of the toilets – reported to be in disrepair – discussions have focused on the financial implications of repairing the building. A report released by Porthcawl Town Council highlighted the challenges of budgeting for the maintenance costs, which amounted to over £26,000 in 2023, citing ongoing vandalism and antisocial behaviour as contributing factors. The report stated, “Annually, it is difficult to budget for John Street because of ongoing and unexpected maintenance and for both John Street and Griffin Park due to continued vandalism and antisocial behaviour.”
Recognising the essential role of public toilets in enabling residents and visitors to enjoy public spaces in Porthcawl, the town council has presented various options for the future of the toilet facilities. These options include terminating the current licence and returning the building to Bridgend council, or pursuing a community asset transfer with funding of £90,000 allocated for necessary repairs. Each option has its drawbacks, with returning the building potentially leading to its closure, while pursuing a community asset transfer would require an additional £120,000 for repairs.
Other alternatives proposed include maintaining the toilets under the current licence, albeit risking further deterioration, or involving community volunteers in the management of the facilities. There’s also the suggestion of acquiring a small plot of land to construct a new, custom-built public toilet instead of refurbishing the John Street toilets. Residents will have the opportunity to participate in a six-week consultation period to voice their preference for keeping the toilets operational or closing them down, with the results to be deliberated by the town council in the upcoming months.
This move aims to involve the community in determining the future of these vital amenities in Porthcawl, ensuring that the decision aligns with the needs and preferences of local residents.