A SOLUTION to the problem of providing public toilets at Usk Island could be solved when the issue is debated this week.

Since April 2011, the facility was closed as a cost saving measure by Monmouthshire County Council.

But now the local authority's Licensing and Regulatory Committee is to consider an application for a street trading license at the site to be issued at the site so that the toilet block can be reopened.

Penny Skinner from Llanpill Farm in Llansoy, has applied to operate a cafe from a bespoke fast food trailer on the Usk Island site on the understanding she will undertake the duty of both opening and closing the car park barrier and the toilet facility.

This catering concession was promoted by Monmouthshire County Council's highways division after the authority received continued complaints of late night disturbance in this area of Usk.

The authority believes that this solution should negate any unauthorised or late night usage of the area and a physical presence on this site would also prevent further instances of anti-social behaviour.

However Gwent police objected to the scheme suggesting that as the car park was not visible from the highway, the trader would be seeking to display some kind of advertising on the road outside the car park.

Roger Sweet, a spokesman for the force's Traffic Management Section said: "The advertising signs will not only present a distraction to drivers, but it could result in a number of vehicles, both large and small, entering and leaving the car park or even parking on the road outside the car park, thereby causing obstructions or other road safety issues.

"In addition, the A472 road between Usk River Bridge and the Old Sawmill near the Island is an area at which we have recently received complaints of abuse of the 30mph speed restriction. As a result, traffic monitoring apparatus was deployed and the Safety Camera unit is seeking to include the location as a safety camera enforcement site."

County Councillor Bryan Jones said: "Both Usk Town Council and Llanbadoc Community Councils have been effective in their campaigning to get a workable solution to the problem over the public health issues at the site which have been highlighted since the facility was closed.

"At first we were not greatly enamoured about having a fast food concession on the site, but it was the only arrangement we could come up with.

"The authority does not have a legal obligation to provide toilets, but if this arrangement is approved by the committee it will be of benefit to the vast numbers of people who use the area.

The authority will still have the responsibility for the electrical and water costs, but not the day to day running of the facility, which will be the responsibility of the catering concession license holder."