20p to 'spend a penny' in Swansea

PLANS to introduce a charge for using public loos at Swansea's re-vamped bus station have been agreed by Cabinet.

The 20p charge will help to ensure the new toilets are maintained to a high standard and provide a safe and clean environment for users.

The decision could help generate around £80,000 a year which will be invested in maintaining the toilets. This will also contribute to the provision of a free state-of-the-art changing facility for people with profound and multiple learning difficulties.

John Hague, Cabinet Member for Environment, said that other councils in Wales, including Carmarthenshire and Cardiff, have been charging users at some public toilets for a number of years.

"Swansea has a good reputation for the quality of its toilet provision and our staff have won a number of awards over the years for the work they do in keeping the toilets clean, presentable and safe," he said.

"By introducing a small charge for the use of the new toilets at the bus station we will be able to maintain them to a high standard over the years to come and ensure users get the service they expect.

"This isn't a new idea. Other local authorities have been charging up to 20p for the use of some of their toilets for some time."

"Our aim as a Council is to provide a good public convenience service and maintain and improve on standards that have helped us win awards in the past."