THE last two loos owned by Powys County Council (PCC) could close  in a bid to save over £45,000 in the next two financial years.

As part of the PCC’s draft budget proposals for the next financial year, 2020/2021 the Highways Transport and Recycling service have put forward a proposal to transfer the public conveniences at Brecon and Ystradgynlais Bus stations to Town or Community Councils or local interest groups.

If they can’t transfer the assets they will close.

In 2020/21 financial year, PCC are looking to make £11million in savings or cuts.

Getting rid of the loos will save £3000, in 2020/21 and £42,846 in 2021/22.

PCC say that the loos would be kept open for 2020/21 to allow discussions for an asset transfer to take place.

Labour group leader, Cllr Mathew Dorrance (Brecon St John) has asked: “The proposed budget includes further cuts to public toilet provision for Brecon and Ystradgynlais.

“The Council’s own public toilet strategy notes that ‘The provision of publicly accessible toilets is essential to ensuring people’s wellbeing and their overall enjoyment of Powys, therefore long term solutions need to be developed in order to ensure future provision.”

“Will the cabinet explain how this budget cut proposal will enable the Council to deliver on its public toilet strategy?

He also asks why discussions with Brecon and Ysrtradgynlais Town Councils have not begun?

Portfolio holder for Environment, Heulwen Hulme (Independent – Rhiwcynon) answered:

“Many towns and communities have successfully operated toilet facilities for some years now, and we will be seeking early engagement to see if a suitable operating agreement could be reached ahead of next year.

“If early agreement is reached, and an in-year transfer transpires, then this would be supported with appropriate budget for the remainder of 2020/21, and thus allow for their continued operation during the year.”

The budget will be discussed at a Full Council meeting on February 28 and will be finalised at Full Council meeting on March 5.

Cllr Hulme added that if the budget is approved, discussion with both town councils would start as soon as possible.