IMPROVEMENTS to pubic toilets in Wrexham and Flintshire are set to be made amid concerns from charities. 

A new study conducted by QS Supplies has found that the number of local authority-funded public toilets has fallen by 19 percent in six years.

The covid pandemic has played a significant role in the reduction, following the closures of cafes, pubs and shops.

In Wrexham, there are a total of 23 public toilets, with only nine having disabled access, which equates to 39 percent of all toilets in the county. 

Meanwhile, in Flintshire, there are only nine public toilets in the county, with 5 having disabled access, which is just over 55 percent. 

Across Wales, 156 of 682 (22.9%) public toilets are accessible, meaning the country has the lowest proportion of accessible toilets in the UK.

The lack of disabled access facilities has sparked concerns from charities who have called for 'more understanding' of those with disabilities that aren't always visible. 

Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Crohn's and Colitis UK, said: "We know that nine in 10 people with the conditions plan their journeys based on access to toilets."

"This is increasingly challenging and isolating as the number of public toilets declines. The fear of being caught short and unable to access a public toilet when required means many people are confined to their homes.

"More awareness and understanding will improve the lives of people living with Crohn’s and Colitis to make sure they aren’t hidden at home – they’re out and about, living life to the fullest."

Crohn's and Colitis are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease and are lifelong conditions.

A study in 2022 showed that over 500,000 people in the UK currently live with the conditions. 

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Both Wrexham and Flintshire councils are in the process of looking to upgrade facilities in the area.

The authority in Wrexham has been reviewing their public toilet provision in the county borough and has recently completed a public consultation exercise.

A spokesperson for Wrexham Council said: "The consultation asked what our citizens think of such things as hygiene, changing facilities, the size of public toilets, opening times, accessibility and quality, and ended on the 9th January 2023, with over 500 responses received. 

"Officers have reviewed the responses and will now work with stakeholders to identify ways that we and our partners can improve the provision of public toilets within the county borough that meets the needs of our residents and visitors."

In a report recently presented to Flintshire Council's scrutiny committee, it was agreed that 'more ambition' needed to be shown towards the standard of facilities in the county. 

It was also decided that public consultation should be undertaken through public questionnaire and Equalities and Environmental Impact Assessments should be undertaken.

Subsequently, it is the intention of the authority that a full review of the strategy will be presented to the cabinet in April/May 2023 prior to a statutory 12-week consultation period of the final draft.

It is hoped that a new strategy could be implemented in September or October this year. 

The council says they envisage that the new action plan within the Local Toilet Strategy will set out the following ambitions:

  • Capital investment to improve facilities offered
  •  Improved availability of changing places across the county
  • Consideration of water usage/rainwater harvesting, in line with the climate change action plan and strategy for the council
  • Review of the existing contractual arrangements/procurement
  • Consideration of community asset transfer, where appropriate and feasible

Have you ever had trouble accessing toilet facilities in Wrexham or Flintshire?