20p charge to use Betws-y-Coed toilets to continue

Nov 18 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

A YEAR after controversial plans to turn one of the Conwy Valley’s most used public conveniences into a £360,000 state-of-the-art facility were turned down by National Park planners, Conwy County Council has revealed it will continue its 20p charges.

In response to whether council cuts will affect the redevelopment of the dilapidated loos at Cae Llan village green, Betws-y-Coed, Lyn Davies, Conwy’s Street Scene manager, said they don’t yet know the full extent of the cuts.

He said: “Cuts will only become apparent when the National Assembly decides on the funding level for Welsh authorities. We can’t speculate on what may happen in the future.

“There are currently no plans to transfer or close the toilets at Cae Llan. It is planned to redecorate and do minor repairs in this financial year.

“The 20p charge will stay and fund both the maintenance of the toilets themselves and borrowing to pursue the council’s toilet strategy.

“It was with disappointment that we learned of the failure to gain planning permission. The architect chosen to design and oversee construction of the toilet building was chosen following a design competition where key stakeholders were unanimous in their choice based on the outstanding performance and range of specialities of the company.

“The architects, following consultation with tourism groups, the community council, and members of the public drew up plans submitted to the Design Commission, whose comments were incorporated, resulting in an innovative, low energy, eco-friendly building that would have been a landmark feature of Cae Llan for many years to come.

“Unfortunately this view was not shared by all and the Snowdonia National Park’s planning committee rejected the proposal.”