AN INNOVATIVE scheme to preserve public toilets in rural areas is being established.

Penllyn Partnership, a collaboration of five community councils in Meirionnydd could be a blueprint for similar community partnerships bringing investment to specific areas across the whole of Gwynedd says Bala’s Gwynedd councillor, Dilwyn Morgan.

“We are fortunate here in the Bala area that Partneriaeth Penllyn, established eight years ago, is keen to ensure that local services and amenities remain at the core in this area of Meirionnydd,” he said.

“The idea came about for the partnership as there was a clear vision to work together between four community councils and the town council here at Bala.

Community Councils at Llandderfel, Llangywer, Llanycil and Llanuwchllyn form part of the Partnership, together with Bala Town Council.

“As central government funding for local authorities continues to diminish, we are in a strong position here in Penllyn to be able to look outside the box and secure investment jointly for our communities from elsewhere,” explained Huw Antur, a representative of Partneriaeth Penllyn.

One of the projects the Partnership is looking to develop and secure investment for are public toilets for the area.

Two Gwynedd Council-run toilets located at the Green Car Park and Plase Car Park at Bala have recently transferred management to Bala Town Council as part of Gwynedd Council’s Town and Community Partnership scheme.

Some local businesses in the area also open their doors and offer their toilets for community use, businesses such as Plas Coch, Caffi Jan and The Goat.

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online now