Public toilets in Mold, Holywell and Talacre to remain open after council U-turn
Flintshire County Council has backed down on plans to close three public toilets following fierce opposition from the public and councillors, and will now carry out a full consultation on their future.
The council’s original decision faced criticism for the absence of any prior public consultation, with many residents and community groups learning about the closures only after announcements were made in the press.
Councillors described this lack of engagement as “unacceptable,” saying it left little time for meaningful feedback before the proposed September 8 closures.
The council had proposed closing the public conveniences located at Mold Bus Station, Off High Street in Holywell, and Station Road in Talacre from 8 September 2025.
This was part of the council’s efforts to close a multi-million-pound funding shortfall amid ongoing financial pressures.
The announcement sparked immediate backlash. An online petition attracted over 1,300 signatures, and a protest in Holywell gathered community members expressing anger and concern.
At a special council meeting in Ewloe today, 7 August, councillors debated a notice of motion to save the toilets.
The motion was introduced by Liberal Democrat councillors Andrew Parkhurst and David Coggins-Cogan, who both spoke passionately about the importance of maintaining public toilet facilities.
Councillor Parkhurst condemned the closures as a “false economy” and highlighted the critical role toilets play in public health, dignity, and accessibility.
He said: “This is not just about cost cutting — it’s about people’s dignity and access to essential services that many take for granted.”
He reminded councillors that Mold’s population swells from 10,000 residents to 50,000 people daily, due to the town’s role as a commercial and service hub attracting shoppers, workers, and visitors from surrounding rural areas.
Councillor Coggins-Cogan echoed these points and emphasised the impact on vulnerable groups including older people, people with disabilities, families with young children, and those with medical conditions requiring frequent toilet access.
During the debate, Councillor Chris Bithell spoke in support of the original proposal to close the toilets. He criticised councillors opposing the closures, saying, “Those who choose to live in Wonderland can continue to live in Wonderland,” suggesting their hopes to keep the toilets open without additional funding were unrealistic and out of touch with financial constraints.
He added, “Without additional funding, hopes of keeping all these toilets open are just fantasy.”
Deputy Leader Richard Jones proposed an amended motion, which was supported by councillors.
This amendment commits the council to keeping the toilets open while conducting a “full and professional” public consultation on their future management.
He said: “We must listen properly to our communities and ensure any decisions about these vital facilities are made with full understanding and support.”
Several councillors criticised the council’s handling of the closure process.
Concerns were raised over the lack of timely consultation and short six-week window overlapping with the council’s summer recess.
Questions were also asked about the accuracy of footfall data used to justify closures.
The consultation will engage a wide range of stakeholders, including vulnerable groups, older residents, local businesses, environmental organisations, and community councils.
There will also be an exploration of alternative management options such as community asset transfers, which could allow town and community councils to take over responsibility for the facilities.
Several councillors highlighted the wider consequences of closures beyond immediate financial savings.
They warned closures could lead to increased anti-social behaviour, deter shoppers and tourists from town centres, and place a financial burden on local businesses, particularly pubs, who might be forced to accommodate non-customers seeking toilet access.
Speakers drew on personal experience and local knowledge to emphasise the need for accessible public toilets.
Councillor Hillary McGill spoke about the needs of bus drivers relying on facilities at Mold Bus Station, saying: “Bus drivers, older people, and those with medical conditions depend on these toilets. Closing them would be a step backwards.”
Councillor Gina Madison highlighted the particular challenges faced by tourists at Talacre’s beach, where vandalism and seasonal demand are issues.
The debate also revealed wider tensions in Flintshire’s financial management.
Councillor Sam Swash criticised the council’s budget priorities, alleging that money had been diverted away from essential services like public toilets.
He said: “This administration’s priorities are all wrong. They’re cutting essential services like public toilets while spending money elsewhere without proper scrutiny. It’s a mismanagement of public funds that’s hitting our communities hard.”
Councillor Glenn Banks acknowledged mistakes had been made but welcomed the council’s willingness to listen and adapt.
He said: “We’ve made mistakes along the way, but it’s encouraging to see the council responding to the concerns raised by residents and councillors alike. The Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee will continue to monitor this issue closely to ensure better outcomes for our communities.”
Councillors also discussed the need for a clear, up-to-date toilet strategy. Several noted the council’s existing draft strategy was outdated and had not been revised to reflect the current situation or public consultation feedback.
The council’s decision to pause the closures and commit to consultation reflects growing recognition of the strong public feeling on the issue.
Deputy Leader Jones acknowledged the financial challenges but stressed the need for a balanced approach that considers social value alongside budgetary constraints.
Next steps will include developing a detailed consultation plan, conducting engagement sessions with affected communities, and exploring sustainable options for the ongoing management of the toilets.
The meeting ended with a unanimous vote to support the amended motion.
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