Carew WI members have long supported issues that affect their community, and now they’re protesting the closure and threat of closure of toilets in the village and across Pembrokeshire.

High on their agenda this year has been the environmental and economic concerns regarding the cleanliness of Pembrokeshire’s coastline and rivers. However, this very important issue has been overshadowed by the huge concern felt across the county regarding the closure of public conveniences.

In a letter to Pembrokeshire County Council, members state: 

“Whilst we appreciate that there is a considerable cost involved in keeping open these facilities especially in isolated rural areas, we who live in Pembrokeshire are witness to their vital role and daily usage.”

With thousands of people visiting the iconic castle, mill pond and village throughout the year, Carew’s WCs are in constant use 365 days a year.

Locals who enjoy walking all appreciate the certainty that at some point along those drives and walks, public conveniences are open and available. 

“Concern has been expressed recently by National Parks and National Trust personnel around people fouling footpaths and beaches,” continues the letter. “Is it any wonder that this is happening when facilities are no longer available to them?”

Businesses have started to display signs warning that customers only are allowed to use their facilities. 

“We appreciate that PCC has to make difficult decisions when allocating monies for such services but we think that you have underestimated the strength of feeling in Pembrokeshire about this subject,” argues the WI.

“It is a fundamental human need to be able to access toilets.

“We cannot purport to be an inclusive holiday destination when visitors of all ages and differing needs cannot be sure of accessing toilets at some point during their visit. 

The letter concludes: “We would urge PCC members to reconsider their decision and to continue to provide this vital service so that ALL members of society can be sure that their individual needs are provided for.”

The Carew Community Action Group, in an attempt to prevent the closure of the public conveniences in Carew, has placed posters at the loo block and started a ‘Love your Lav’ petition online.

A survey was taken over a three-day period which recorded 484 people using the toilets.   

“We know how essential these public toilets are for our community and tourists, especially for families, elderly people, and those with medical conditions. Closing these facilities would cause significant inconvenience and hardship for many residents and visitors alike,” argues the action group’s petition at change.org.

It makes the point that the toilets are next to the cricket and football field, children’s playground and the popular millpond walk. 

Further, as they are on the route for Ironman and Long Course Weekend, the toilets are used by competitors and many spectators.

The nearest public toilets are at Pembroke Dock, 5.7 miles away, according to the action group. 

“Please sign this petition to keep our public toilets open in Carew, so we can all be relieved!”

The poster explains: “Saved from closure in April 2024 by the local community, these toilets are now being funded by an additional council tax charge.

“The community feels it is unfair for local residents to pay to keep the toilets open.

“The toilets are used by a variety of people including visitors to the castle, holiday markers, walkers, school children, disabled people and passing business people.

“We strongly believe Pembrokeshire National Park Authority (Carew Castle) and Pembrokeshire County Council should take some responsibility for funding these facilities.”

A Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority spokesperson said: “The National Park Authority has no statutory obligation to provide toilet facilities, these are owned and operated by the Local Authority.

“However, we recognise the impact that closing public toilets has on the wider National Park area, and the important role played by local toilets in protecting the environment and supporting people to access the National Park.

“Public toilets are available to use at Carew Castle, which is managed by the Park Authority. We are also committed to working with Pembrokeshire County Council to consider sustainable options around the coast for the provision of toilet facilities.”

The Council has not been contacted for comment at this time, as the letter from Carew WI may not have yet been viewed by the appropriate department. We will update readers once a response has been received.

In Nolton Haven, where the WCs were closed in April, WI members are warning that visitors will be distressed at the closure.

While expressing their pleasure that Pembrokeshire Council has repainted the Amroth East public toilets, Amroth Community Council stated last week:

“Visitors to the area may or may not be aware that PCC Cabinet decided in February 2023 to look for alternative funding streams for all toilets fully funded by them. If no alternative funding streams were identified, certain toilets around the county would close from April 2024. Amroth East toilets was one of those identified.

“The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority agreed to a two-year voluntary payment to PCC regarding various public toilets in the National Park. Unfortunately, whilst our toilets are in the National Park and in fact at the start/end of The Pembrokeshire Coast Path, they were not included in their agreement with PCC.

“Therefore, since April 2024 the only reason that the Amroth East toilet facilities have remained available for use to everyone who visits our beach is through the very generous agreement by Amroth Community residents to pay an additional contribution to the Community Council to allow us to pay PCC for the day to day running of the toilets. 

“This will be an ongoing cost and we are asking for everyone’s help to support our residents. If you have visited or passed through Amroth and made use of these facilities, or live or work in the Amroth community area and have not yet had a chance to contribute towards the running costs of the toilets, could you please consider making a financial donation?”

Amroth Community Council have set up a dedicated PayPal account for Amroth East toilet donations. A notice reads: “Pembrokeshire County Council no longer spend a penny…

“The Amroth East toilets have only remained open for the summer following Amroth Community Council taking on the running costs, and our residents agreeing to pay an additional £7,000 per annum on their council precept.

“Residents believe it is important to have these facilities available for all who visit Amroth beach and for our RNLI Lifeguards, who patrol the beach in high summer.”

The notice features a QR code for users to make a donation via Paypal to support the cost of maintaining the facilities. To donate from your account, go to Send Money and then search  “[email protected]” Please add AET8 in the note/reference section. This is a dedicated and separate account for keeping the Amroth East toilets open and operational. It will not be used for any other council business.

Signatures are growing steadily on the petition to keep Carew’s public loos open, with the total approaching 600 by the time of going to press. To add yours, go to www.change.org/p/love-your-lav .