SPENDING a penny in Cardigan could prove to be an expensive business for public toilet operators 4CG.

The social enterprise took over ownership of the toilets in Chancery Lane and Feidrfair, fully renovated them and committed to maintaining them for the future after they were closed by the county council.

But it seems that not everybody is keen to pay the 20p charge to use the toilets, though any extra revenues generated will stay in the town and be put to use for other community projects.

Cllr Shan Williams told a meeting of Cardigan Town Council: “We are asking people to pay only 20p but people kick the latch on the door and it just breaks and then everyone else uses the toilets for free.

“On many days, we are not covering the cost of running the toilets.”

New re-enforced stronger doors would cost £4,000 so instead, 4CG is looking at putting magnetic locks on the doors at Chancery Lane to see if they make a difference.

“The last thing we want is to close the toilets as they are such an important service to the town. We are trying to improve the High Street for everyone and having access to public toilets is part of that,” added Cllr Williams.