Members of Pembrokeshire Council are set to receive an update on public toilet provision for the county, when the Local Authority’s public realm manager Marc Owen presents a report to the cabinet next week, including news on the future of Tenby’s North Beach public conveniences.

An update on progress on PCC’s ‘local toilet strategy’ was presented to a Policy and Pre-decision overview and scrutiny meeting on March 12, with the following resolved

a) That the current progress of the Toilet Strategy Action Plan be noted.

b) That the updated toilet provision be noted.

c) That the toilet provision in North Beach, Tenby be subject to a business case and a report detailing options to be considered by Cabinet.

d) The toilet provision in Castle Lake, Haverfordwest be reviewed as part of the wider Haverfordwest Town Centre Regeneration and a report detailing options to be considered by Cabinet in the future.

e) That the next review of the strategy will take place in May 2028 with a further report presented in early 2028

Pembrokeshire County Council currently directly manage and maintain 54 Public Conveniences through a cleaning and maintenance contract with Danfo (UK) Ltd.

Over the past 3 years, despite PCC attempting to negotiate alternative funding streams, several public toilets have been closed across the county much to the disgust of many across communities.

In many cases, Town and Community Councils have not bowed to PCC pressure to take on responsibility for such public conveniences, and with alternative funding not secured, it has resulted in toilet closures.

In some cases, community councils have taken on the mantle, for areas such as - Amroth East, Letterston Square, Wisemans Bridge, St Ishmaels, Maenclochog, Abercastle, Fishguard New Road, Lower Town, Tenby Upper Frog Street, The Rath, Pembroke Black Horse.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has also agreed to continue to fund ten toilets across the region, such as - Little Haven, Manorbier Beach, Newport Traeth Mawr, Saundersfoot Regency, Poppit Sands, Angle Beach, Broad Haven, Freshwater East, Solva, St Brides for the next 2 years - at a cost of £122,896.37 per annum.

However busy coastal hotspots such as Penally have seen the village’s toilets situated alongside the railway station, closed since October 2024.

Carew Community Council has stated to PCC that they are currently not willing to fund or take transfer of the village’s toilets. Alternative grant options have been reviewed, however despite best efforts this has not resulted in funding options.

The same applies to Newport Parrog only, and if ongoing discussions with the Town Council breakdown, if no conculsion is reached by November 30, 2026, PCC state that the toilets will be closed.

The future of Neyland’s public conveniences appear to be in jeopardy too.

When highlighting Tenby’s busy North Beach toilets, a cabinet decision on December 4, 2023 set out a recommendation to continue to fund this facility but investigate income generating opportunities such as charging to use or linking to other sources of funding.

Penally station
Toilets have been closed at Penally station since the end of 2024 (Observer pic)

The report from Mr Owen states: “The facility at this location requires a full asset review to enable any adaptations for charging to use capital funding investment.

“This toilet has very high footfall is a very busy toilet linked to the beach. It is now proposed to scope out options for this facility to ensure it meets current demand and future proof and revert to Cabinet with a business case in early 2027.”

Following the legal ruling by the UK Supreme Court in April 2025, updated guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission came into force on August 5, 2026 stating that single sex spaces, like public toilets, must be accessed based on biological sex rather than acquired gender.

This ruling and guidance will be considered as part of the strategic asset review and any changes or adaptions will be taken to comply.

At the meeting on Monday, September 7, it is recommended that Cabinet:

1. Note the position in relation to, and the potential closures of, the toilets in Carew, Newport (The Parrog) and Neyland.

2. Support a strategic asset review for all toilets that are provided by the authority

3. Note that in relation to Tenby North beach toilets, a further report will be brought to Cabinet in early 2027 with a business case for proposed changes.

4. Note that in relation to Castle Lake toilets, a further report and business case to be presented to Cabinet in early 2027