Cost of 'spending a penny' in Peterborough's new public toilets could be more than a penny

New loos are to be put in place in the St John’s Square area of the city centre before the end of March next year.

However, council chiefs have revealed that no decision has yet been made on whether to charge users to ‘spend a penny’ or even how much more than a penny using the new conveniences might cost.

A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said: “The toilets will be located in the St John’s Square vicinity.

“They will be modern modular toilets that will be designed to provide accessible and multiuse baby change facilities whilst not detracting from the local design of the area.

“It has not been decided whether or not to charge people to use the new toilets.”

The decision to site public toilets in the city centre follows the findings of a number of consultations with the public where new and accessible toilets were top of the priority list.

The new conveniences will be paid for from a £1.5 million Pride in Place government grant awarded to help brighten up the city centre.

The council’s promise to install the loos within the next nine months was made in response to questions from the public on the Peterborough Telegraph’s Facebook site.

In response to Malcolm Smart who posted the question ‘if we are going to see new toilet facilities in the city, what’s the time scale?’, a council spokesperson replied: “The toilets should be installed by the end of March next year.”

Gerry Hols asked: “What will they be: porta loo type or nice ones like it Japan?”

The council spokesperson replied: “They will be modular, prefabricated accessible toilets.”

New toilets are just one item among many that are being planned for the new-look city centre.

Other features include new market stalls, greenery, hanging baskets, which are already in place on the Guildhall, plus fun and attractive seating around the city centre.