Anti-social behaviour blighting a Powys market town has led to calls to lock the public toilets at an earlier time in a bid to save money on repair costs.

Llanidloes Town Council are solely responsible for maintaining the Town Hall and Gro public toilets which have been targeted by vandalism which has cost thousands of pounds to fix and reopen.

Mayor Councillor Jamie Jones said he would like to see the toilets locked at night and get funds from a Bryn Blaen Windfarm grant to help towards the effects of anti-social behaviour in the town.

“I am mindful of ways we can try to reduce that It’s to avoid the ongoing repetitive cost,” the Mayor said. “I know it looks like collective punishment but there is no way forward.”

County councillor for Llanidloes Gareth Morgan, who has been managing the toilets at the Gro car park for more than six years, told the meeting on Monday evening (January 22) that the facility is closed at 8pm but "the problem was members of the public would kick in the doors even though it was locked".

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Town clerk David Powell added that the anti-social behaviour was a "big issue" across Powys.

"Rhayader don’t charge anything and are considering closing there," he said.  "There is no consistent charge across Powys. There is definitely room for a consistent approach."

Mr Powell added: "There’s more and more maintenance costs. We’re waiting for CCTV at the town hall toilets."