Public toilets reopened after seven years

The public toilets in Nelson have been brought back into use for the first time in seven years.

The toilets, which are just off Dynevor Terrace, were closed back in 2014, but have been reopened thanks to Nelson Community Council and the Caerphilly Taxi Drivers’ Association.

They were officially reopened on Thursday, July 8, with community councillors in attendance as a ribbon to mark the occasion.

Independent councillor Rod Powell, chair of Nelson Community Council, said he was “over the moon” to have the toilets back open.

Cllr Powell told Caerphilly Observer that the community council had been wanting to bring the toilets back into use since 2019.

“There was nothing wrong with the building. There was no damp, no mould – it was perfect,” he said.

“I don’t understand why it was shut in the first place.”

But Cllr Powell said it was “a joy to have them back open”.

He said: “We’ve had so many good comments on Facebook. I’m totally ecstatic.”

Before the toilets reopened, electrical tests and a deep clean were carried out, with new signage put up as well.

Construction company Interserve, which is carrying out work on the Ty Du site in Nelson, fitted new taps at the toilets free of charge.

The only costs incurred by the community council came with the installation of new doors with coin mechanisms attached – costing around £5,500.

People will be charged 50p to use the toilets, with all money going towards the maintenance of the facility, as well as water and electricity costs.

Cllr Powell thanked Chris Wood and Lucy Davies of Interserve, as well as community and county borough councillor Brenda Miles for her work on the toilets’ business plan.

He also thanked George Edwards of the taxi drivers’ association for his support.

Cllr Edwards, who sits on Blackwood Town Council, has been intstrumental in the reopening of public toilets across the borough.

In 2019, Caerphilly County Borough Council closed five council-run public toilets. But Cllr Edwards and the taxi drivers’ association led the charge to reopen the toilets at Blackwood Bus Station, as well as the toilets near Caerphilly Railway Station.