TOILETS in and around Abergavenny could be closed from April next year if town and community councils fail to take over the funding and management reports HANNAH MLATEM.

At last week's cabinet meeting members agreed to no longer manage or fund some public toilets - reducing costs from £330,194 to £145,638 - saving the authority £184,556.

Toilets which will be retained will now be included in a refurbishment programme.

If community and town councils decide not to take over managing and funding the toilets, MCC will have to pay £12,000 to make the buildings safe and secure.

Toilets included in the list are for possible take-over include those at Castle Street, Raglan, Maryport Street, Usk and Usk Island.

In Abergavenny two public toilets will be be retained - at the bus station and Castle Street with the remaining - those at Whitehorse Lane, Market Street and Bailey Park- listed for transfer or closure.

Also included on the list to be closed or taken over are toilets in Gilwern, Goytre and Grosmont.

There was concern over some toilets becoming an eyesore and members when funding ceased from April 1 next year.

Cabinet member, Councillor Bryan Jones said, "There's no obligation on the local authority to provide public conveniences.

"We have been in talks with town and community councillors asking their interests in managing them themselves.

"At this stage none of the councils have made responses except MCC."

According to council officers however consultations with town and community councillors have gone well with local councillors saying they appreciated how important public toilets were in regards to tourism."