Public toilets could be spared closure under Community Asset Transfer plans

The future of three sets of public toilets could be preserved after Flintshire County Council’s cabinet agreed to transfer the facilities to local management.

The toilets in Talacre, Holywell and Mold had been set to close last year due to budget cuts, but the plan was put on hold to allow the Council to consult on alternative solutions to maintain public access to toilets in these areas.

A consultation was held between 5th November and 2nd December 2025 which sought views on a range of options, including exploring possible Community Asset Transfers (CATs) to pass over the running of the facilities to other organisations.

Expressions of interest were subsequently received from all three of the town and community councils, and Cabinet members have now agreed to pursue the transfers.

Ahead of the handover, the Council is seeking to invest £240,000 to refurbish and modernise the toilets, ensuring they are in good condition before being passed to local management.

The works will form part of a wider £1.5 million programme of investment in public amenities and town centres across Flintshire, funded through the UK Government’s Pride In Place Impact Fund.

Councillor Ted Palmer, Cabinet Member for Highways, Assets and Public Protection, said:

“These facilities are valued community assets and I’m pleased we are pursuing Community Asset Transfers to allow them to be managed locally. I hope this approach will ensure they remain available for those who need them long into the future.

“We’re investing in toilets first to ensure they are passed on in good condition, so they can continue to serve their communities for years to come while reducing ongoing maintenance costs.”

The County Council will be meeting with the respective town and community councils in due course to discuss the feasibility of transfers.