CONWY COUNCIL will not pause the closure of public toilets in the county, following a cabinet meeting yesterday (September 10).

Conwy’s cabinet met to discuss some councillors’ request to pause the closure of 19 public toilets.

In July, Conwy announced it would close 19 of its 40 public toilets on September 4, 2024, to cut costs.

But this move was delayed after councillors voted in favour of recommending cabinet provides further statistics in advance of further consultation with councillors.

The decision has now been made to proceed with the closure of the toilets.

Opposition figures said the “poor” decision to close the toilets would have an “adverse” affect on young families and elderly and disabled residents and visitors.

Commenting on the decision of the cabinet to close toilets, Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders said: “It is obvious that this current cabinet and its leader have no respect of the true democratic processes of the local authority.

“To renege on a promise made to all councillors that they would be consulted on which toilets could be saved from closure, and ignore the calls from previous meetings, is unacceptable.

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“In fact, it is apparent to me as a former county councillor myself that this current Labour, Plaid, and Independent cabinet is not fit for purpose.

“All back benchers have a role in scrutinising and challenging the management of the Local Authority, and in this case the Cabinet are in charge.

“Once again, I believe that the Wales Audit Office should be called in to examine the democratic process and the financial decisions taken by the Cabinet of Conwy County Borough Council.

“There also needs to be a review as to whether the current cabinet system as opposed to the community structure is really the best model for residents in Aberconwy.

“I fully support the Welsh Conservative plan to call in the cabinet decision and would encourage all members of the public concerned about toilet closures to attend this meeting in person.”

Leader of the opposition at Conwy Council, Cllr Cheryl Carlisle (of Colwyn ward), said the decision not to pause the closures was “incredibly disappointing”.

She said: “This afternoon Conwy cabinet members refused our local councillors’ request to pause the closure of many public toilets in the area.

“The Independent/Labour/Plaid coalition would not listen to our pleas for a reprieve whilst alternative funding was sought from Town Councils and grant funders.

“This will impact adversely on our elderly and disabled residents, plus all our young families.

“We also rely heavily on tourism locally, and these poor decisions will impact on us all.

“As the leader of the Opposition in Conwy, I am repeatedly challenging the poor budgetary choices being made, for example prioritising electric bin lorries over social workers, and plastic rugby pitches over proper funding for our schools.

“Today, I asked could the Conwy owned toilets at Porth Eirias be used by all members of the public, but was told they couldn't, as they are apparently for the exclusive use of Bryn Williams' restaurant now, which is incredibly disappointing.

“I am so sorry that we were unsuccessful in saving some of our public toilets from closure, and will try our best to secure grant funding for a toilet/kiosk at our Old Colwyn end of our lovely promenade, working along with my fellow councillors and our wonderful Old Colwyn Residents Association.”

Conwy County Borough Council was approached for comment.