INTERVENTION from the Welsh Government means public toilets in two key towns in Brecon and Radnorshire are to be saved from closure.

The public toilets at the Grow in Builth Wells and those at Dark Lane car park in Rhayader were due to be closed by Powys County Council this year however a last minute deal has seen the Welsh Government agree to provide grants to both Builth Wells and Rhayader town councils for the refurbishment and maintenance of the facilities as part of a pilot project.

Powys County Council has axed funding for most public toilets in the country and instead tried to get local town and community councils to take responsibility for the facilities. It blamed cuts to its budget on the austerity agenda of the UK government which has squeezed UK public spending.

The decision, which was confirmed in a letter from Welsh economy and transport minister Edwina Hart said: "I am minded to provide grants to Builth Wells and Rhayader town councils on the basis the toilets are important to a range of trunk road travellers, including HGV drivers, public bus and coach passengers."

The future of the public toilets at Erwood on the A470 is still unknown however it has been confirmed that toilets at Llangorse Common, near Brecon have been refurbished and will continue to be run by a local business with the help of an annual grant from the council towards the operating costs.

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