Flintshire Council launches consultation after public toilet closure U-turn
Flintshire County Council is inviting residents, businesses and community groups to share their views on the future of public toilets in Holywell, Mold and Talacre.
The consultation, running from Wednesday 5 November to Tuesday 2 December 2025, follows a decision made in August to pause planned closures after a strong public backlash.
In July, the Council announced proposals to close the toilets as part of efforts to bridge a multi-million-pound funding gap.
However, the move drew widespread criticism from councillors and residents, who said the closures had been announced without prior consultation.
An online petition opposing the plans gathered over 1,300 signatures, and a protest in Holywell saw community members calling for the facilities to remain open.
At a special meeting in August, councillors voted unanimously to keep the toilets open while a “full and professional” consultation is carried out.
The Council has now confirmed that it will work with volunteer groups, community councils and local businesses to explore ways of maintaining access to toilet facilities at the three sites.
Councillor Ted Palmer, Cabinet Member for Highways, Assets and Public Protection, said:
“It’s likely, earlier this year, Flintshire residents and businesses saw lots of stories in the media about Council plans to close public toilets in Holywell, Mold and Talacre.
“Whilst a very difficult decision was taken to reduce the budget, it was never the intention to just close these toilets, but to work closely with residents, businesses, visitors, towns and communities to find different ways for people to access toilet facilities when out and about in these locations.
“Although the toilets at Holywell, Mold and Talacre will remain open until alternative solutions can be found, we cannot afford to keep them open indefinitely, so we need people to get involved and spark ideas to get people talking about how they can stay open without Council funding.”
The consultation will consider alternative management options such as community partnerships or asset transfers, where local councils or organisations could take on responsibility for the facilities.
More information about the consultation can be found on the Councils website www.flintshire.gov.uk/
Residents who are unable to complete the survey online can visit any of the Council’s Connects Centres where support will be available. Opening times can be found on the Council’s website.
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