Charging for toilets is likely to be the best way to keep facilities open, councillors have admitted.

Ceredigion County Council Cabinet members backed the authority’s Public Toilet Strategy, with council leader Ellen ap Gwynn saying she wanted to see the council provide good quality public conveniences.

She admitted she had been “uncomfortable” that budget cuts had led to several public toilets being closed.

Economy and regeneration Cabinet member Rhodri Evans said the strategy had identified that the council could help bring in money by introducing charges at more public toilets and that a consultation had shown that around two thirds of people were happy to pay for facilities.

He said that would help ensure that current facilities are well maintained and cleaned.

Cllr Evans said: “In order for us to maintain the services we have at the moment, we need to ensure they are maintained and cleaned.”

The introduction of more charges through a paddle gate system had also been supported by members of the thriving communities scrutiny committee.

Chair Gwyn James had told that committee that was the best option to ensure that facilities remained available.

Cllr James added that one issue that needed to be addressed was better signposting for public toilets.

The approved strategy will now be used for the next five years.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now