PUBLIC toilets at bus stations in Brecon and Ystradgynlais could be closed in a bid to save more than £45,000 over the next two years.

The toilets are the last remaining public conveniences owned by Powys County Council but it hopes to transfer them to either the local town councils or local interest groups.

If the the toilets cannot be transferred they will close.

The Independent/Conservative controlled council must make £11 million worth of cuts and saving in the coming financial year.

Labour group leader Cllr Matthew Dorrance, who represents Brecon St John, has submitted a question to the cabinet member for the environment over the future of the toilets.

He said in a written question: “The proposed budget includes further cuts to public toilet provision for Brecon and Ystradgynlais.

“The council’s own public toilet strategy notes that ‘The provision of publicly accessible toilets is essential to ensuring people’s wellbeing and their overall enjoyment of Powys, therefore long term solutions need to be developed in order to ensure future provision’.

“Will the cabinet explain how this budget cut proposal will enable the Council to deliver on its public toilet strategy?"

He also asks why discussions with Brecon and Ysrtradgynlais town councils have not begun. Local councils have already set their budget precepts for the upcoming year.

Cllr Heulwen Hulme, the Independent member for Rhiwcynon, answered: “Many towns and communities have successfully operated toilet facilities for some years now, and we will be seeking early engagement to see if a suitable operating agreement could be reached ahead of next year.

“If early agreement is reached, and an in-year transfer transpires, then this would be supported with appropriate budget for the remainder of 2020/21, and thus allow for their continued operation during the year.”

The budget will be discussed at a Full Council meeting on February 28 and will be finalised at Full Council meeting on March 5.

Cllr Hulme added that if the budget is approved, discussion with both town councils would start as soon as possible.