CHARGES to use a New Quay public toilet will be introduced despite councillors claiming it could put youngsters at danger by forcing them to have to cross a busy road to use an alternative toilet.

While Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet had agreed to install paddle gates at the South John Street toilets, that decision was called in by councillors with the authority’s thriving communities scrutiny committee asking Cabinet members to reconsider the decision.

The committee heard from local member Cllr Dan Potter, who feared beach youngsters unable or unwilling to pay a proposed 20p fee to use the South John Street facility would be exposed to traffic hazards if they sought free toilets elsewhere in town.

“While I’m not opposed to having paddle-gates I’d like to know whether a risk-assessment was carried out,” Cllr Potter told officers. “So many kids come up from that beach and cars are always coming round the corner.”

The council was also criticised for failing to consult with town and community councils on iss­ues, including charges for public toilets, with Cllr Elizabeth Evans claiming it showed “arrogance”.

Cllr Evans said the county council hadn’t consulted with New Quay Community Council and had instead made the decision without even asking the community council if it would be prepared to provide funding to keep toilets open.

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