Businesses in Gwynedd help public spend a penny

Gwynedd has faced a shortage in the number of public toilets for some time

Business owners in Gwynedd are flushed with success after increasing the number of loos open to the public.

Shops, cafes, garages and pubs have opened up their toilets for all to use following a shortage of places in which to spend a penny.

Businesses have been given grants of up to £500 by Gwynedd council thanks to the Welsh Assembly Public Conveniences Grant Scheme.

Now the council wants more businesses to join the 28 already on board.

The funding ensures toilets are clean as well as providing toilet paper, hand washing and drying facilities and rubbish bins. Those taking part also receive a bilingual window sign to advertise the toilets.

No facilities

Gwynedd council has taken advantage of the Welsh Assembly Government scheme as part of a three-year drive to save £16m.

Councillor Gareth Roberts said: "We have no option but to find new and creative ways of delivering some services that would otherwise inevitably have to be cut.

We don't want people to feel awkward about asking to use the toilet Gwynedd businesswoman Lisa Rowlands

"I am delighted that by working with private businesses across the county we have been able to open a number of toilets to the public in areas where there would be no facilities otherwise.

"I would like to thank everybody who has worked with us to deliver these solutions and urge more business owners to get on board with this innovative scheme."

Interested businesses can contact Gwynedd council's Highways and Municipal Department for more information and an application form.

Demand

Lisa Rowlands, who runs a garage in Clynnog Fawr, said: "We've always had people calling in asking to use the toilet, especially people who have travelled far by car, so we knew there would be a demand for it.

"We were also aware that local people could make use of the service, especially those with young children.

"We don't want people to feel awkward about asking to use the toilet so we felt that having a sign in the window was a good thing."