Confusion after pay machines fitted at free toilets

A council has been accused of confusing visitors by installing "pay to pee" machines outside free-to-use public toilets.

The machines have been installed at Craig-y-Don paddling pool in Llandudno by Conwy county council as part of efforts to generate income.

Llandudno town council had agreed to fund the facility so they remain free to use – but have now had to pay for signs telling people not to use the pay machines.

"I wouldn't say it is the most sensible idea to put machines on the outside building next to a sea salt environment when you don't actually need to use them," said Louise Emery, who sits on both Conwy county and Llandudno town councils.

Conwy council previously announced plans to shut 19 of its 40 public toilets as part of cost-cutting measures, but Llandudno town council agreed to fund the Craig-y-Don toilets until March, with plans to further financing them in the future.

"The county council have gone ahead and put the charging machines on the walls of the toilets, just in case that sponsorship doesn't happen next year, or we decide we want to charge for them," Ms Emery told Local Democracy Reporting Service.

But she said the town council wants to provide free toilets for residents and visitors.

"That is why we are a bit disappointed that having those machines attached to the wall gives the impression that you have to pay. So we will be putting up signage to make it clear you don't have to pay to go to the toilet at the paddling pool."

A spokeswoman for Conwy county council said it wants to "keep public toilets available wherever possible".

"The toilets by the Craig-y-Don paddling pool are currently free to use. The town council has provided sponsorship this year, but we don't know if this arrangement will continue, and we may need alternative ways to recover the running costs in the future," she said.

The council did not reveal how much it cost to install the machines.