Tour de France toilet troubles

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Local planning is already underway to welcome the Tour de France to Welshpool and Powys on July 4, 2027, but concerns have been raised over the lack of public toilet provision across the county.

The race is the world’s biggest spectator spectacle, with millions lining the route for the two weeks it will be held in Scotland, England, Wales and finally France for the lion’s share of the famous event.

Tens of thousands are expected to come out and support the Welsh route, which starts in Welshpool town centre on a Sunday before running down the length of Powys to finish in Cardiff.

But how much will it cost, and where will people spend a penny are just two of the early questions that need to be answered locally.

It is believed that the UK and Welsh governments have covered the cost to pay the organisers to include us, but work on the ground will need to be done to ensure the area is showcased in the best light to the world.

At a recent Powys County Council Finance Panel meeting, former Wales rugby star, Cllr Jeremy Pugh (Powys Independents – Builth Wells), said: “Not only have we a problem with our roads, but we have a bigger problem with the lack of toilet provision within Powys.

“That’s something we’re really going to have to look at with all the thousands of people coming here to watch this great event.”

He added that he was bringing toilets up now to make sure it wasn’t “missed” by the council during preparations for the event.

The Cabinet Member for Highways Transport and Roads, Cllr Jackie Charlton (Liberal Democrat – Llangattock and Llangynidr), said: “It is something that’s very important and we’ll be able to cover this. I’m assuming we’ll also get a lot of support from the Tour de France organisers as it is their event after all.”

The question of cost will undoubtedly come up a lot over the coming 18 months, with Newtown councillor, Cllr Pete Lewington, (Conservative – Newtown West) asking: “Are there funds in the budget to make the roads that are our responsibility fit for purpose for the upcoming Tour de France race?”

Cllr Charlton said: “I have already raised this with the team to make sure that what we do over the next couple of years is going to support more than the Tour de France and the other events we have.

“The Tour de France will be mainly on our trunk roads and that’s for the Trunk Road Agency (Welsh Government), but we do need to consider all the other roads we have which will be used by visitors.”

She added that the council will have a project team in place to prepare for the event.

The financial implications of having the Tour de France in Powys has also been brought up in an official question by Plaid Cymru group leader, Cllr Elwyn Vaughan (Glantwymyn).

The response he received also indicates that all costs – apart from council staff time – have been covered so far by the Welsh Government and UK Sport.

The 223-kilometre third stage of the Tour de France will start in Welshpool and wind its way southwards through Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon before finishing in Cardiff.