Machynlleth Town Council is considering installing CCTV to protect its “valuable” public toilets after vandals attacked them for the fifth time this year.

Members heard at a meeting on 26 July that in 2021 alone, the council have had to repair the coin operated doors to the public toilets in Maengwyn car park, five times after they were kicked in by vandals.

The disabled toilets, gents and ladies have all been vandalised in recent times, leading to closures of parts of the facilities while the damage is fixed.

Cllr Michael Williams told the Cambrian News following the meeting that the “serious” vandalism at the toilets the town council has run since 2018 was “very, very frustrating”, and impacting on the town council’s budget.

“It costs the town council money each time to fix the vandalism, and the closure of some parts of the toilets while the vandalism is put right means there’s no income for the council from the machines,” he said.

“The council is just trying to do its best for residents and visitors and it is very, very frustrating indeed that vandalism keeps happening.

“It is so important and essential that we have public conveniences in the town.”

In responses to the issues, councillors decided to look into prices to install CCTV on the premises.

“I really hope CCTV cameras will be prove to be cost-effective,” Cllr Williams said.

“If the council goes down that road, I hope it will be successful in reducing or eliminating vandalism.”