PUBLIC TOILET STRATEGY WILL BOOST PUBLIC HEALTH

Mick Antoniw, Assembly Member for Pontypridd is backing Welsh Government moves to improve access to public toilets in Pontypridd and Taff Ely. 

The moves are contained in the Welsh Governments Public Health Bill and will place a duty on each local authority in Wales to prepare and publish a local toilets strategy for its area. It provides that the strategy must include an assessment of the community’s need for toilets, including changing facilities for babies and changing places facilities for disabled persons, as well as details of how the local authority proposes to meet that need.

Access to public toilets is an issue that greatly affects public health. Accessible, clean toilets that are well located in places such as town centres, parks, cycle trails and walking routes can help encourage the public to take exercise and stay more physically active. There are clear health and economic benefits to improving access.

A lack of adequate toilet facilities can also impact on an individual’s physical and mental health, as well as affecting the wider environmental health of the population.

Mick Antoniw said:

“This Bill will mean older people, people with disabilities and people caring for young children aren’t put off leaving the house for fear of not having access to a public toilet.  This is a real boost for public health in Wales.”

“Public toilet provision is important to residents in Pontypridd and throughout Taff Ely.  Residents need to know what they can expect from their local authority.  They can then judge whether they think this plan is adequate.”

“I encourage local residents to play their part in developing the local toilets strategy by getting in touch with the council.  You can write to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council at the following address: Rhondda Cynon Taf  County Borough Council, Bronwydd, Porth, CF39 9DL.”