£22,500 grant helps to refurbish Berriew toilets

Visitors to Berriew are enjoying better toilet facilities thanks to more than £22,500 in funding secured by Powys County Council from the Welsh Government.

The money was awarded to Berriew Community Council towards improving the village’s 50-year-old toilets in the centre of the village.

Along with a National Lottery Awards for All grant, the village has created two modern public toilet compartments, accessible to all, including those in wheelchairs and families needing baby change facilities.

The funding secured by the county council’s Economy and Climate Service – covering 80% of project costs – came from the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics scheme.

“It’s great that visitors to Berriew now have access to better toilet facilities,” said Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys. “I hope more people will now be encouraged to stop off and see what both places have to offer and spend more than just a penny!”

Councillor Phil Bettley, Chair of Berriew Community Council remarked: “This major refurbishment was long overdue and entailed us buying the freehold from the landlord for £1 to secure the facilities into the future. We now have two modern, self-contained, private spaces with hygienic facilities which are frequented regularly by locals, tourists and those passing by. 

“This couldn’t have achieved without the Brilliant Basics grant and the National Lottery, Awards for All, scheme and we are very grateful to both bodies for their tremendous support.”

The Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics scheme saw £5 million allocated to small-scale tourism infrastructure improvements across Wales for 2023-25. 

The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for tourism, Rebecca Evans, said: “Targeted investment in essential facilities enhances our tourism infrastructure, and plays a vital role in delivering a positive experience for visitors while supporting our local economies.

“I’m delighted our Brilliant Basics funding has helped deliver these improvements in Berriew. Not only will they improve accessibility – ensuring we provide a warm welcome to everybody who visits – but they will also help towards our climate commitments through energy-saving measures.”

Powys County Council was successful in securing £300,000 of the £5 million, which was spent on 10 projects covering better access, car parks, trails, electric vehicle charging points, signage and interpretation, and toilet upgrades at various locations.

PICTURE: The refurbished public toilets in Berriew.