By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter and MyNewtown
Spending a penny is becoming more difficult in the area as public toilets are being closed and for those that are open it usually costs at least 20p.
Powys County Council (PCC) is holding a consultation as it aims to publish a Public Toilet Strategy by the end of May next year.
Part 8 of the Public Health Wales Act, which came into force on 31 May, expects each county council in Wales to prepare and publish a local toilets strategy for its area.
Although there is no requirement for county councils to provide and maintain public toilets directly.
As part of the strategy, PCC will need to map out the provision in the county and then consider where any gaps are and what can be done to resolve this.
In Newtown, the town's two main public toilets the Back Lane and Gravel car parks have been taken over by the town council.
But many others in the area remain under county council ownership.
Toilet facilities in shops, pubs or restaurants could be used as public conveniences and the consultation will look into how this can be developed, among others.
A spokesman for the county council said: “We have begun to map out provision, but we are also keen to find out residents’ views on the state of public toilets and where there may be gaps.
“There is no budget from the Welsh Government to create or improve the provision of public toilets.
“The onus is on highlighting where public toilets facilities already exist so people can find them easier."
The spokesperson added: “Where people highlight gaps it is about considering further options and collaborating with communities and businesses to meet these needs.
“Some people with long-term health conditions may feel unable or reluctant to leave their homes because they fear they will not be able to find a public toilet.
“While parents/carers of young children will often need to find a toilet at short notice.”
The consultation comes to an end on Sunday, 11 November and the strategy will need to be published by 31 May 2019.
