Mid Wales council is close to agreeing contractor to fit turnstiles at public toilets

Builth Wells Town Council is close to agreeing on a contractor to fit turnstiles at the public toilets in the Groe.

Two companies are in the running of the work after four businesses were originally contacted for information.

The council is undertaking the work after securing money from the UK Governments Pride in Place Impact Fund, which is coordinated and distributed on their behalf by Powys County Council.

The fund is aimed at enhancing the physical environment in public spaces, and town centre revitalisation.

Town clerk Louise Hammond was successful in getting the £83,000 of funding for three

projects which met the application criteria, the toilets, new play equipment and interactive information boards.

Mrs Hammond said she had received four quotes for the project to introduce pay provision at the Groe toilets and chemical toilet disposal.

But councillors and Mrs Hammond had met two contractors selected.

While well used, the current facilities do not adequately support the needs of motorhome visitors, particularly in relation to the safe disposal of chemical toilet waste.

This has resulted in inappropriate disposal of chemical cassettes within standard toilet facilities, causing blockages, maintenance issues, increased costs and periods of closure.

In addition, the toilets would benefit from improvements to security, sustainability and long term financial resilience, as they currently cost the Town Council around £40,000 per year to maintain, repair and clean etc,.

The aim is therefore be to install a dedicated chemical toilet disposal point designed specifically for motorhome and caravan users, aimed at reducing blockages and maintenance disruptionand to introduce a pay to access-controlled entry system.

Installation of solar panels on the roof will also help to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

At August's meeting, members were told that Electro UK, which has already completed toilets in Rhayader and Aberaeron, would charge £11,384 per unit, or a total of £22,768, while maintenance would be £1,280 for testing, inspecting and servicing and dealing with any faults or breakdowns. The council was told they could put the turnstiles in within about eight weeks.

The council also met with Willings who would charge £21,552 plus VAT and would offer a similar package, although members wanted to clarify their maintenance costs. They could also install the turnstiles in six to eight weeks.

Members said it would come down to maintenance costs and the height at which the electrics would be installed as the Groe is in a flood zone.

Extra information will be gathered and the council will make a final decision at the September meeting.