Vandalised public toilets in a Llanidloes car park have been repaired and reopened but the bill will be "substantial".

The toilet block in the Gro car park has new doors, locks and frames after being "wrecked, kicked and abused over a number of years".

County councillor Gareth Morgan, who has been managing the toilets at the Gro car park for more than six years, praised local traders for carrying out the repairs at this week's Llanidloes Town Council meeting but added that "we don’t have all that left in the kitty".

Cllr Morgan said police will prosecute at least one person for damaging the door of the ladies’ toilets.

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He explained that people will need to pull the doors to toilets rather than push to "frustrate those who kick it open".

Cllr Morgan continued: "A number of people have been extremely helpful carrying out repairs at the Gro which has enabled us to open the ladies’ toilets.

"The locks on both the doors are linked to the paying device on the wall outside and they’ve been wrecked, kicked and abused over number of years. We've acquired new locks in excess of £600 which is a lot of money, but we need to do the right thing. We've put up cameras on the outside.

"I’ve had enormous help from Mr Mills of China Street. He’s given his electrical skills by fitting the new locks making sure they work.

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"Mr Hefin Jones the carpenter has spent days there working on the doors and I’m waiting for the costs. He’s not going to take us to the cleaners, but it will be substantial, and we don’t have all that left in the kitty."

Cllr Morgan said takings had been reduced while the toilets were closed but takings have "shot up" since reopening despite the charge increasing to 40p.

"We will continue to run them for the benefit of the community.

"The excellent wife of Hefin said she will run a bingo evening for us at the rugby club to raise some money. People are very sympathetic and kind. I am considering an appeal to the public."