Businesses open up toilets to the public

BUSINESSES in Llanelli are benefiting from a grant scheme which encourages them to open up their toilets to the public.

4 Llanelli businesses are taking part in the council’s Community Toilet Scheme. The Welsh Assembly Government-funded scheme aims to improve the provision of safe, hygienic and accessible toilet facilities.

It enables local businesses such as pubs, restaurants and shops, to work with the council to make their toilets available to the public.

Grants of up to £500 are available for businesses which take part in the scheme to cover additional maintenance costs.

Homebase in Parc Pemberton, Llanelli; Tesco, B&Q and BHS in Parc Trostre, Llanelli; the Co-op supermarket Cross Hands and Romino’s café in Llanybydder are participating in the scheme.

BHS store manager Alun Alder praised the scheme adding that it had helped to increase footfall at the store.

Businesses taking part in the Community Toilet Scheme display window stickers showing male, female and wheelchair accessible facilities.

Members of the public can use the facilities during the premises’ opening hours and without the need to make a purchase.

Director of Technical Services Richard Workman said the scheme offered residents an improved service, including disabled and baby-changing facilities.
“Some of these premises are open much later into the evening,” he said. “As well as greater opening hours, it also offers greater security because these premises are occupied all the time, and a better quality service overall.”

Executive board member Councillor Haydn Jones said businesses were also benefiting from the scheme.

“All the businesses have reported increased footfall, so it is not just the public that is benefiting from it. Hopefully, the scheme can help to increase the provision of public toilets across Carmarthenshire.”

The scheme could be extended to other areas in the county. For further information visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567.
Applications will be considered based upon the location of the premises, the number of toilets available and the standard of upkeep.