THE cost of spending a penny will double at 10 council-run toilets in Pembrokeshire - despite public opposition during consultation.

Cabinet gave the go-ahead to proposals to increase the charge to use public conveniences from 20 pence to 40 pence on Monday (January 14).

It is likely to begin by April 1st, said head of environmental services and public protection Richard Brown.

Pembrokeshire County Council has 60 toilet blocks, which are contracted to Danfo for cleaning and maintenance, and 10 currently charge for use.

A further 12 facilities have been "recharged" to town and community councils to run.

Cabinet member for environment and Welsh language, Cllr Cris Tomos, said the increase in cost will allow investment and development of all facilities.

Cashless provision - contactless card payments - will be introduced at all charging facilities, he added and consideration of charging at other sites, based on "foot flow" will be carried out.

Cllr Tomos said 450 people responded to last year's consultation and "the majority did not want to see an increase in the level but it's human nature that we want to maintain prices lower."

Any increases will be "ring-fenced" for the provision of toilets in the county and "we are committed to giving our citizens and visitors a quality toilet service," he added.

Cllr Phil Baker said he had "reservations" about doubling the charge.

Cabinet member for economy, tourism, leisure and culture Cllr Paul Miller said the "bigger barrier" to charging for toilets was the need to ensure you had change.

He also raised the possibility of closer examination of areas "in which everybody else is making money while we provide the toilet provision" and whether other parties could take over.

Cllr Miller referred to a summer trip to Skomer where boat operators charged and the National Trust charged for parking but the council maintained the free toilets.

The situation was constantly being reviewed said Cllr Tomos as was encouraging, and supporting, businesses in making their toilets available to the public.

Discussions will be held on lobbying the Welsh Government on removing business rates on toilets, as has happened in England, the meeting heard.

Cabinet approved the increased charges, Cllr Baker abstained.