Local Toilet Strategy

Appendices Local Toilet Strategy

Appendix - A – List of traditional public toilets managed and maintained by Pembrokeshire County Council

Abercastle

Postcode: SA62 5HJ
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Winter Opening*: Closed 1st November to mid February, open Christmas holiday period
Pay to use: No

 

Abereiddy

Postcode: SA62 6DT
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Winter Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Pay to use: No

 

Amorth East

Postcode: SA67 8NN
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Winter Opening*: Closed 1st November to 31st March
Pay to use: No

 

Amroth West

Postcode: SA67 8NE
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Angle, West Angle Beach

Postcode: SA71 5BE
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Winter Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Pay to use: No

 

Bosherston

Postcode: SA71 5DN
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours

Winter Opening*: 24 hours

Pay to use: No

 

Broad Haven, North CP

Postcode: SA62 3JJ
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours

Winter opening*: Closed 1st November to 31st March
Pay to use: No

 

Broad Haven, South CP

Postcode: SA62 3JR
Disabled: Yes
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 18:00
Pay to use: Yes

 

Burton, Jolly Sailor CP

Postcode: SA73 1NX
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: Dawn to dusk
Winter Opening*: Closed 1st November to 31st March
Pay to use: No

 

Carew

Postcode: SA70 8SP
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Cilgerran, Picnic Site

Postcode: SA43 2SS
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Creswell Quay

Postcode: SA68 0TE
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Cwm yr Eglwys

Postcode: SA42 0SN
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: Closed 1st November to mid February open Christmas holiday period
Pay to use: No

 

Dale

Postcode: SA62 3RJ
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours

Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Felindre Farchog (Trunk Road)

Postcode: SA41 3UU
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 
Pay to use: No

 

Fishguard, Lower Town

Postcode: SA65 9NB
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Winter Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Pay to use: No

 

Fishguard, Ffordd yr efail

Postcode: SA65 9AR
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 06:00 - 22:00
Winter Opening*: 06:00 - 19:00
Pay to use: Yes

 

Fishguard, West Street

Postcode: SA65 9NL
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 06:00 - 19:00
Winter Opening*: 06:00 - 19:00
Pay to use: Yes

 

Freshwater East

Postcode: SA71 5LN
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Goodwick, The Parrog CP

Postcode: SA64 0DE
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Haverfordwest, Castle Lake CP

Postcode: SA61 2DT
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 19:30
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 19:30
Pay to use: No

 

Haverfordwest Multi storey CP (currently temporary provision provided)

Postcode: SA61 2LJ
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 19:30
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 19:30
Pay to use: No

 

Johnston, Popehill (Trunk Road)

Postcode: SA62 3NX
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Kilgetty, TIC

Postcode: SA68 0YA
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 06:30 - 19:30
Winter Opening*: 06:30 - 19:30
Pay to use: No

 

Letterston

Postcode: SA62 5SB
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Little Haven

Postcode: SA62 3UG
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Llanstadwell, Hazelbeach

Postcode: SA73 1EG
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: Closed 1st November to 31st March
Pay to use: No

 

Maenclochog

Postcode: SA66 7LE
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Manorbier Beach

Postcode: SA70 7SY
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Marloes (village)

Postcode: SA62 3AZ
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Milford Haven, Market Square

Postcode: SA73 2AE
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Milford Haven, The Rath

Postcode: SA73 2QA
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: Closed 30th September 31st March
Pay to use: No

 

Moylegrove

Postcode: SA43 3BW
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Narberth, Town Moor CP

Postcode: SA67 7AG
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: Yes

 

Nevern

Postcode: SA42 0NB
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Newgale, Central CP

Postcode: SA62 6AS
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Newgale South, Pebbles CP

Postcode: SA62 6AR
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Winter Opening*: Closed 1st November to 31st March
Pay to use: No

 

Newport, Long Street CP

Postcode: SA42 0TJ
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Newport Parrog, CP

Postcode: SA42 0RP
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Newport, Traeth Mawr

Postcode: SA42 0NR
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Winter Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Pay to use: No

 

Neyland Marina

Postcode: SA73 1PY
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 19:30
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 19:30
Pay to use: No

 

Nolton Haven

Postcode: SA62 3NH
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: Closed 1st November to mid February open Christmas holiday period
Pay to use: No

 

Pembroke Dock Library

Postcode: SA72 6DW
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 19:00
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 19:00
Pay to use: Yes

 

Pembroke, Blackhorse Walk

Postcode: SA71 4HN
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 19:00
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 19:00
Pay to use: No

 

Pembroke, The Commons

Postcode: SA71 4EA
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 19:00
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 19:00
Pay to use: No

 

Pembroke, Town Quay

Postcode: SA71 4NR
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 19:00
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 19:00
Pay to use: No

 

Penally

Postcode: SA70 7PS
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 07:30 - 21:00
Winter Opening*: 07:30 - 21:00
Pay to use: No

 

Penblewin CP (Trunk Road)

Postcode: SA67 7NY
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Porthgain

Postcode: SA62 5BN
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Pwllgwaelod

Postcode: SA42 0SE
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

Saundersfoot, Regency Hall CP

Postcode: SA69 9EN
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 22:00
Winter Opening*: 07:00 -22:00
Pay to use: Yes

 

Solva, Lower Solva CP

Postcode: SA62 6UT
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes (ladies only)
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

St Brides

Postcode: SA62 3AJ
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

St Davids, Bryn Rd, behind City Hall

Postcode: SA62 6QX
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

St Davids, Quickwell CP

Postcode: SA62 6PD
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Winter Opening*: Closed 1st November to 31st March
Pay to use: No

 

St Davids, The Grove CP

Postcode: SA62 6NW
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

St Davids, Whitesands

Postcode: SA62 6PS
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: Yes

 

St Dogmaels, High St

Postcode: SA43 3ED
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

St Dogmaels, Poppit Sands

Postcode: SA43 3LR
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: 24 hours
Pay to use: No

 

St Ishmaels

Postcode: SA62 3TB
Disabled: No
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 24 hours
Winter Opening*: Closed 1st November to 31st March
Pay to use: No

 

Tenby, Butts Field (North Beach CP)

Postcode: SA70 8AG
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Pay to use: Yes

 

Tenby, Castle beach

Postcode: SA70 8AG
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Pay to use: Yes

 

Tenby, Multi Storey CP

Postcode: SA70 7LS
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 21:00
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Pay to use: Yes

 

Tenby, North beach

Postcode: SA70 8AP
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Winter Opening*: Closed 1st November to 31st March
Pay to use: No

 

Tenby, South beach CP

Postcode: SA70 7EG
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Pay to use: Yes

 

Tenby, The Green CP (Salterns)

Postcode: SA70 7NG
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: Yes
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Pay to use: Yes

 

Tenby, Upper Frog Street

Postcode: SA70 7JD
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Winter Opening*: 07:00 - 20:00
Pay to use: No

 

Wisemans Bridge

Postcode: SA69 9AT
Disabled: Yes
Baby Changing: No
Summer Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Winter Opening*: Dawn to Dusk
Pay to use: No

 

Public Toilets Map

 

Appendix C – National Toilet Logo

National Logo

This is the national logo provided by Welsh Government to identify public toilets. We will ensure all our existing provision displays this logo and will ask that public toilets operated by others and any business/organisation who are willing to open up their toilets for general use also display this logo to encourage national recognition.

 

Why have we produced a toilet strategy?

Part 8 of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 which came into force 31 May 2018, requires Local Authorities to prepare and publish a Local Toilets Strategy.

Our original strategy was published May 2019 following a comprehensive needs assessment, and a report on progress was published November 2021. In accordance with the Act, the strategy has now been reviewed following the Local Government Elections 2022.

The aim of the Act is to encourage a broader consideration of options available for providing toilets for public use including traditional stand-alone toilets as well as those in private ownership. It is intended to help address the current challenges faced by Local 

Authorities in continuing to sustain provision during times of substantial financial pressures.

The Act does not place a duty on Local Authorities to provide or maintain public toilets themselves but it does require Local Authorities to assess the need and take a strategic view on how this need can be met. The needs assessment from 2019 has been considered for this strategy.

The current position

Facilities

BBC research (opens in new tab) carried out in 2018 showed that Pembrokeshire County Council was the joint second highest provider of traditional public toilets in the UK (of those who responded). Second only to Highlands and Island Council, which has almost double the population and an area larger than the whole of Wales, and joint second with Gwynedd Council.

Through a contract with Danfo (UK) Ltd, we currently provide 68 traditional public toilets (three of these on behalf of the Trunk Road Agency). Of these:

• 53 have disabled facilities
• One has an adult changing place facility and
• 20 have baby changing facilities.

Opening times vary throughout these toilet blocks with some available 24/7, others with restricted daily opening hours (usually due to location/vandalism concerns) and 12 which closed during the winter period (due to significant reduction in usage during these months).

For details of all facilities managed by Pembrokeshire County Council please see Appendix A. An electronic map showing each facility can be found here: Public toilets map 

In addition to those operated by Pembrokeshire County Council there are other providers of public toilets in the County including Town and Community Councils and other groups/organisations. Some private businesses whilst not advertising their facilities as public toilets, do allow the general public to use them without making a purchase.

Challenges

There are challenges in having such a large and mostly old toilet stock. Some are in need of significant investment with limited budget available for this. Whilst we have made provisions for an investment pot through a proportion of the income from charging, this pot is being used as quickly as funding is allocated, with no additional PCC money set aside for cyclical upgrades. We are continuously searching for external funding to support with replacements/upgrades. This poses a future challenge which will increase as the buildings age and in particular we are likely to see significant funded required for structural work in the future.

Unfortunately toilets are also a magnet for anti-social behaviour including drug taking and vandalism. This often affects opening hours and in the past has resulted in temporary and permanent closures where damage has been significant and repeated.

How we have sustained provision

Unlike a lot of councils across the UK, we have managed to retain a large number of our facilities to date by combining a variety of funding sources.

Charging to use

We currently charge 40p at 12 of the highest footfall sites. Only two of these facilities currently generate enough income to cover the cost of providing them, the other 10 make a valuable contribution towards the running costs. All sites have the ability to pay via coins or cashless methods. Charging to use is only effective where the income generated exceeds the capital and revenue costs associated with the installation, maintenance and running costs of the charging units therefore it would not be practical for us to charge to use all our public toilets, this is continually reviewed. The price was increased from 20p in April 2019. This increase has allowed for a percentage of income to be used to develop an investment pot for upgrades/improvements.

Funded by or transferred to Town/Community Councils

10 facilities are currently managed and maintained through the PCC contract but the costs associated with this are either fully or partially covered by their associated Town/Community councils. Without this financial support, these facilities would be closed. Town/Community councils have chosen to raise the money from their precepts rather than lose the toilet provision in their locality. 

In addition, five toilets have been transferred to Town/Community councils to run themselves with additional facilities currently going through the transfer process. This arrangement means the facilities can be kept open and allows control over cleaning regimes and opening times to best suit local demand. 

Funding via car parking income

In March 2020, Cabinet agreed to support the funding of toilet provision through car parking charges. These charged can only be utilised for the funding of public toilets where those toilets are located in or adjacent to car parks. Providing income expectations are met, this sustainable model will secure 20 facilities into the future. The funding also covers a small amount of improvement works that fall outside of the current contract.

Funded by PCC

All other facilities (32 in total) are fully funded by PCC revenue budgets which are under severe pressure. The net cost to PCC is approximately £600,000 (variable depending on income levels).

Due to the financial situation the Council is facing both now and into the future, a decision was taken by Cabinet in February 2023 to seek alternative funding for any toilet which is fully funded by PCC, for example this could be through Town/Community Councils or other stakeholders such as Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. It was agreed that if alternative funding is not identified and there are no other unique circumstances to consider then facilities will be closed (where we are legally able to). It was also agreed to use the Second Home Council Tax Premium to fund the contract cost of these toilets in 2023-24 whilst permanent arrangements are being made. Any toilet which is closed due to the above but predominantly serves the visitor economy will be temporarily retained until the outcome of any future decision on an introduction of a Visitor Levy, which could be utilised for toilet provision in the future.

Progress to date

Since the publication of the original strategy, we have seen some positive progress both locally and nationally that impact upon toilet provision.

National

1. National Non-Domestic Rates were removed from all stand alone public toilets in April 2020.  This means that facilities are now cheaper to run and more financially manageable for other organisations to consider providing*
2. Amendments to Document M Building Regulations, January 2023 – the amendment covers the provision of changing places toilets within appropriately sized, publicly accessible buildings.

Local progress

1. Asset transfers are in progress at several facilities in the County, all will continue to provide public toilets 
2. Three facilities have been transferred back to the National Trust who are continuing to provide them
3. 320 facilities have been secured through PCC car parking charges
4. Funding secured from Welsh Government to redevelop the facility at Whitesands beach to improve inclusivity by providing our 1^st beach-side Changing Places Toilet and a family room
5. Several facilities painted to approve appearance
6. Several small scale projects underway to improve the visitor experience of the facilities 
7. A new facility and a redevelopment at Fishguard to improve provision in this area, both include disabled and baby changing facilities
8. Projects underway in Haverfordwest to include new public toilets at the Transport Interchange and Western Quayside development. Both will include a Changing Places Toilet. 

Not all actions from the original strategy have been completed due to the impacts of Covid-19. The actions which are still relevant have therefore carried forward in Section 5 below.  

How we plan to meet current and future needs

• We will seek to facilitate the provision of public toilets across the county on a cost neutral basis to the Council 
• We will prioritise our provision taking into account the following considerations:

• Funding availability
• Disabled provision
• Usage levels
• Effect on economy
• Effect on tourism
• Frequency of misuse/anti-social behaviour
• Proximity to other alternatives
• Condition of property

• We will focus our investment on key priority areas to aid improvements and modernisations, with an understanding that the investment pot is limited
• We will support securing as much other provision across the County as possible by:
• Working collaboratively with organisations, town and community councils and local communities to seek funding  
• Encouraging and assisting with community asset transfers of our toilet stock where the agreement is they will continue to provide a public toilet as part of the transfer
• Making available and promoting suitable public buildings within our control as public toilets to increase availability
• Engaging with local organisations and businesses to encourage them to open up their toilets for public use to increase availability
• Exploring the possibility of using a potential future Visitor Levy to fund provision
• Review charges and consider additional pay to use facilities where appropriate
• We will support access for all by:
• Ensuring any new toilet blocks or where possible, large scale renovations of existing provision, increase the number of cubicles that are unisex to increase provision for all
• Ensuring any new disabled facilities or large-scale renovations are compliant with the Equality Act 2010 (Disability) Regulations 2010 and that principles of inclusive design embodied in regulatory standards and guidance such as Building Regulations and British Standards are followed
• Ensuring that consideration is given to incorporate Changing Places facilities within any appropriate future developments.
• The planning service will give consideration to ensuring that accessible public toilets are part of planning and building control applications for appropriate buildings
• Cashless payment facilities will be an option at all charged for toilet sites
• Ensuing that the public are aware of where they can find a toilet and their opening times byimproving signage at facilities where opening hours are limited i.e winter closure and overnight closures
• including all publically available toilets in Pembrokeshire on our public toilet map (not just those operated by PCC)
• encouraging all public toilets to display the national toilet logo (appendix c)

We will consult with the public on any proposed future changes to help identify barriers and needs and ensure our provision is as accessible as possible. 

Review process

We will prepare an interim progress report two years after publication of the strategy and publish this within six months – by 30 November 2025.

We will review the strategy following each Local Government election and publish this review within one year of the election – next review due by May 2028.

How this strategy links with other local/national strategies

National

During the production of this strategy we have had due regard for the Well Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The provision of toilet facilities and the strategic way forward helps to achieve all seven of the well-being goals as set out below.  The contribution to some of the goals is likely to be limited:

• A prosperous Wales – considering the impact of the economy and in particular in Pembrokeshire the importance of tourism
• A resilient Wales – minimising the impact on the environment and maximising opportunities to promote bio-diversity
• A healthier Wales – maximise physical and mental well-being
• A more equal Wales – meeting our duties under the Equality Act
• A Wales of cohesive communities – safe services provided in communities
• A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh Language – our cultural heritage and meeting Welsh Language Standards
• A globally responsible Wales – reducing our carbon footprint.

We will act in a manner which seeks to ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Whilst addressing short term needs, we will have consideration for the ability to meet long term needs in decisions that are made. We will actively seek to prevent provision from being lost by integrating with other public bodies and collaborating withbusinesses and other organisations to protect provision. We will involve the public and other interested parties in decisions made through consultation processes.

Local

The Corporate Plan is currently under review however in line with the previous version, the provision of clean and accessible toilets helps to facilitate physical and mental well-being. They enable people to access services and live their lives. They are important for tourism in the County which contributes to our economy. The strategy is looking for ways provision can be sustained across the county in the long term to support our residents and visitors.  

Pembrokeshire Destination Management Plan (2020-2025) – recognises that tourism is a key economic driver in Pembrokeshire with an emphasis on providing the basics right to enhance reputation and the visitor experience. This strategy recognises that toilet provision is important to locals and visitors alike.

Programme for Administration (2022-2027) – promotes that Pembrokeshire is a great place to live, work and visit and that our communities are active and thriving, the provision of adequate public toilets can help facilitate this.

Strategic Equality Plan (2020-2024) – Supporting the implementation of the Local Toilet Strategy is an action as part of Objective 4: Access to community life and services, supporting the provision of accessible council services and encourage the development of accessible opportunities within our local communities.

Rights Of Way Improvement Plan (2018-2028):  states that “Wherever possible, providing complementary facilities on routes suitable for disabled users such as seating and bus routes, as well as specific facilities such as toilets and parking provision.”

 

Local Toilet Strategy

Pembrokeshire County Council has produced a Local Toilet Strategy in compliance with Part 8 of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017.

Through this strategy, we aim to provide accessible, clean toilets in the most appropriate locations. We also aim to secure the future of current provision as well as looking at ways to increase the number of public toilets available and improving access to all groups of people.

In developing this strategy, we have carried out a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the current need and have considered both this and the need of future generations in the production.

An action plan will be developed and a progress report will be prepared and published by November 2021

The first Local Toilet Strategy for Pembrokeshire County Council was published May 2019, the focus of which was to take a strategic view on how we can secure the future of as many existing public toilets as possible, increase provision beyond that of traditional standalone toilet blocks in the County and improve access for all users. 

The financial situation for Local Authorities in 2019 was challenging and many had already closed toilets within their areas to meet budget saving targets. Local Authorities have never had a statutory duty to supply toilet provision although perception is often that councils are responsible for this service. Whilst we recognise the importance of facilities to residents, visitors and the economy, the strategy has been reviewed and revised, taking into consideration the current financial climate which is even more challenging than when the first strategy was written. These financial challenges are likely to continue into the future.  

Pembrokeshire has a population of about 124,000 with 26.2% of those being 65 and older, a figure which is predicted to steadily rise year on year. About 22% of local people are disabled*, and this rises to 53% for people who are aged 65 and over. As a major tourism destination with approximately 5,400,000 visitors each year (bringing a value of approximately £420 million to the County), the demand on services such as toilets increases considerably at peak seasonal times. In order to meet this demand we need to take a strategic view across our County on how these facilities can be provided and accessed both now and in the future, through innovative ways of working and collaboration with others.

The production of this strategy does not mean that all existing provision provided by Pembrokeshire County Council will remain. We will look to establish sustainable models for funding provision across the county provided by a variety of sources.