Despite some ardent campaigning, the public toilets at Carew are set to close permanently from April 1.

Carew Community Council worked hard to keep these facilities open for 12 months after Pembrokeshire County Council initially announced their closure plans last year. During that time, councillors explored every possible solution for maintaining these essential amenities.

A community action group was formed last spring, and throughout the year Carew WI stepped up their protests against the closure and threat of closure of toilets in the village and across Pembrokeshire.

“Whilst we appreciate that there is a considerable cost involved in keeping open these facilities especially in isolated rural areas, we who live in Pembrokeshire are witness to their vital role and daily usage,” the members said in a letter to the County Council.

“It is a fundamental human need to be able to access toilets.

“We cannot purport to be an inclusive holiday destination when visitors of all ages and differing needs cannot be sure of accessing toilets at some point during their visit.

The letter concluded: “We would urge PCC members to reconsider their decision and to continue to provide this vital service so that ALL members of society can be sure that their individual needs are provided for.”

“We know how essential these public toilets are for our community and tourists, especially for families, elderly people, and those with medical conditions. Closing these facilities would cause significant inconvenience and hardship for many residents and visitors alike,” argued a petition by the action group.

They made the point that the Carew loo block is next to the cricket and football field, children’s playground and the popular millpond walk. It is also on the route for Ironman and Long Course Weekend, being used by competitors and many spectators.

But the campaigners also said: “The community feels it is unfair for local residents to pay to keep the toilets open.”

To gather community feedback, a ‘Carew Community Toilet Survey’ was hand delivered to each of the 817 households in Carew Parish in autumn of last year, asking if residents would support keeping the toilets open through additional council tax contributions. However, by the deadline of October 30, only 192 responses were returned, with 105 voting no and 87 voting yes.

Based on these results, it was clear that the majority did not support this funding approach.

In response, Carew Community Council looked to Pembrokeshire County Council to open the toilets during the summer months, when demand is highest - but to no avail, it seems. On January 8 an important notice was posted on the Carew Community Council Facebook group:

“Carew Community Council regrets to inform residents that, due to the lack of available funding from Pembrokeshire County Council , the public toilets will be permanently closed from 1st April 2025.

“Despite our best efforts to secure alternative funding, this decision has become unavoidable. We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we share in the community’s disappointment.

“Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”