Hay-on-Wye toilets reopen after major refurbishment

Public toilets in Hay-on-Wye have reopened following an extensive refurbishment funded partly by an £83,000 grant.

The facilities on Oxford Road have undergone a programme of improvements, including new cubicles, modern sanitary facilities, improved lighting, contactless payment options and a newly designed fully accessible toilet.

Hay Town Council said the refurbishment had created a cleaner, brighter and more welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

Water-saving fixtures and sensor-operated lighting have also been installed to reduce water and energy consumption, helping to lower running costs and minimise the environmental impact.

The project was supported by £83,000 in grant funding from the Pride in Place programme, with Hay Town Council funding the remainder.

A council spokesperson said: “Public toilets are an essential facility for any town, particularly one that welcomes as many visitors as Hay.

“We are very pleased to have been able to carry out these much-needed improvements and hope the refurbished facilities will serve the town well for many years to come.”

A second spokesperson said Hay-on-Wye welcomed one million visitors throughout the year as a busy market town and the world’s first book town.

“With such high numbers Hay-on-Wye needs reliable and good-quality facilities,” they said.

The council thanked Gilbert Construction and Wye Valley Plumbing for their work on the refurbishment, as well as Powys County Council officers who administered and supported the grant funding.

It also thanked town councillors for their work in delivering the project, and residents, businesses and visitors for their patience and understanding during the temporary closure.

The council said the improvements were intended to ensure the facilities were durable, hygienic and easy to maintain, helping them meet the needs of the town for years to come.

The Oxford Road public toilets are now open to the public.