A county councillor for Saundersfoot has criticised the harbour operators for asking the seaside village’s Community Council for £25,000 of funding towards the facility’s public toilets, with the approach being labelled ‘unacceptable’.

At the most recent meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council held at The Regency Hall, an agenda item was presented to members, following a request from Saundersfoot Harbour for financial support towards the provision of the Harbour’s public conveniences.

Discussions ensued regarding the request at the meeting, with members of the Community Council feeling that the Harbour toilets were an ‘essential facility’ for the village, for both locals and visitors alike.

It was highlighted that the toilets are very heavily used during the summer season.

Nicola Gandy CEO of Saundersfoot Harbour explained the background to the Harbour finances to members of the Community Counci, and the recent increase in costs and forthcoming rates rises.

She said that the Harbour provides two public services - public waste collection and toilets; stating that the running costs of the toilets have reached £20,304, which excludes staff and insurance costs.

Ms Gandy requested the possibility of the Community Council providing funding of approximately £25,000 to keep the toilets open and free during the coming year.

Cllr Peter Robinson proposed that the Clerk send a donation form to Saundersfoot Harbour, so that they submit the request in writing.

However, County councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward, Cllr Chris Williams who was also in attendance at discussions, made his feelings clear on the matter.

“Following this, I wrote to the Chair of Saundersfoot Community Council, Saundersfoot Harbour Advisory Board and the Chief Executive Officer of Saundersfoot Harbour to clearly outline my concerns and objections to the proposal,” stated Cllr Williams.

“While I do not intend to go into detailed correspondence at this time, my position was firm and clear, that asking the Community Council to cover the annual running costs would be unacceptable, as this could result in an increase to the community precept and Council Tax for residents across Saundersfoot.

“I do not believe local taxpayers should be expected to subsidise what is primarily, a Harbour and visitor-related facility.

“It is my view that the majority of users of the Harbour toilets are visitors to Saundersfoot, along with those accessing Harbour facilities, events, businesses, and staff working within the Harbour area.

“While these facilities are extremely important to the village and its tourism sector, the financial responsibility for their operation should not be transferred onto local residents through higher taxes,” he continued.

“I can now confirm that Saundersfoot Harbour has now withdrawn its request for funding from Saundersfoot Community Council and I fully welcome this decision.

“I remain committed to working constructively with Saundersfoot Harbour and will offer my support in exploring appropriate, sustainable solutions to ensure that toilet facilities remain available.

“These facilities are vital to the success of the Harbour and to tourism across the village, and any long-term solution must be fair, proportionate, and not place any additional burden on local households,” he added.