By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to close public toilets at Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment as part of a series of cost-cutting measures got councillors in a flush during a meeting.
Nottingham City Council has decided to cut the funding for the public toilets at the site, which is a popular meeting place, particularly during the summer months.
It is believed the removal of the toilets will save the council around £32,000 per year.
The Labour-run authority says new toilets will be provided as part of the Memorial Gardens restoration project – due to be completed next year.
Cllr Kevin Clarke, leader of the Nottingham Independents opposition group, raised the issue during a full council meeting on Monday, March 7.
He said the plans to close the toilets would leave visitors “cross-legged” over the summer.
Cllr David Mellen (Lab), leader of the council explained why the toilets were being shut as part of plans to close a £28m funding gap this year.
He said: “It is great news that the Memorial Gardens will be fully restored. This work will start in April and will be completed before March next year.
“Unfortunately, the existing toilets on Victoria Embankment have already been closed and will be removed by the end of March. While we appreciate there will be a delay, the restoration project will provide new, fully accessible toilets.
“In the meantime, the parks team will provide some additional signage to direct people to the public toilets located at the football changing pavilion – which are open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm.”
Cllr Clarke responded: “We have the situation where we are asking parents of young children and people visiting the attraction to walk over a mile to get to the toilets without providing them with efficient facilities for who knows how long.
“I assume everyone in this chamber shares with me they wish to see the Victoria Embankment and Trent thriving with people during the warm summer months.
“With the outside funding all secured and ready to go (for the memorial gardens) surely these two projects should have followed each other, avoiding the embarrassment of cross legs this summer. Is it another Basil Fawlty timing?”
Cllr Mellen said the toilets were not a mile away and the toilets at Victoria Embankment had already closed as they were broken.
“It does not seem to be a very good investment to be mending toilets which are going to be replaced in less than a year,” he added.
“Not every park in our area has toilets. I don’t think you are really making much of a point if all you have got to raise in this chamber is about a delay in replacement of toilets.”
Cllr Michael Edwards (Lab), who represents the Meadows ward, stepped into the debate stating the removal of the toilets will save the council £32,000 a year.
He added: “I went down to have a look. This was months ago. They were broken then and have been gone for months.
“I have not had any case work or any complaints from people saying ‘they can’t use the toilets’ and then to exaggerate the distance to the toilets – the football pavilion is next to the memorial. It is half a field away.”
