THE uncertainty continues to grow over who will be responsible for the running costs of Poppit Sands toilets.

The toilets are currently run by Pembrokeshire County Council but it is looking to pass on that responsibility to St Dogmaels Community Council – along with the toilets in the High Street car park – in a bid to cut costs.

However, the community council fears the financial implications of such a decision and the increase on the precept – and also the possible loss of the beach’s Blue Flag if the toilets were to close.

Talks have been held between Pembrokeshire council officials and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park but a solution seems no nearer.

And a survey sent out to every household in St Dogmaels by the community council shows that many residents do not feel it would be fair to make them pay, though it seems the village is split.

Of 158 questionnaires returned, 79 were willing to pay extra for the toilets, with 74 unwilling. For the High Street car park, 754 said they would pay extra and 77 said they would not.

Many argued that it was important to have the toilets but they were for the benefit of everyone – both locals and visitors – and it was unfair that the burden should fall solely only residents.

The uncertainty and lack of information over the future of the toilets means that community councillors are struggling to set a budget for the next year.

“We still don’t know enough and the toilets could become a real financial millstone around our neck,” said Cllr Phil Hutchings.

“If we have to pay the county council to run them on our behalf there is bound to be an increase in costs. The infrastructure has to be fit for purpose before we can even consider taking them on. It’s a bottomless pit otherwise.”

The council agreed to write to the county and National park authority to say no money would be allocated in the budget due to a lack of information but would welcome further discussions in the future when a decision has been made.