Lack of public toilets in city centre a ‘major issue’ says Peterborough city councillor

The Ravensthorpe councillor has made his appeal following what he describes as an overwhelming response from Peterborians.

“Residents from my ward and across the city have been in contact with me and they’ve raised one question; ‘Whenever we go to the city centre there are no toilet facilities’,” he said.

Cllr Ahmed said that seeking opinion online via social media compounded the overall message he was receiving:

“Looking at the comments I received and the response I got,” he noted, “that [no public toilets] is a major issue for people visiting the city centre.”

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Cllr Ahmed acknowledged that there are already some publicly accessible toilets around the city centre, most notably behind the Town Hall and within Queensgate. However, many of these facilities are generally reserved for customer use, may not be free, and/or are not always convenient for visitors with additional needs:

“I had a person with a disability,” he recalled, “he went to town with me and he couldn’t find a toilet.” “People want them in the centre; easily accessible,” he insisted, adding: “People with disabilities need something in the city centre.”

It is worth noting that Peterborough did once have centrally located underground public toilets in Cathedral Square, near St John’s Church. However, these were shut down around 20 years ago after they fell into a state of disrepair.

While the idea of opening new facilities clearly has significant support, some people have voiced concerns that any new public toilets in the city centre may potentially serve to attract groups or individuals looking to engage in anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Ahmed was quick to rebuff that view.

“This can be worked on,” he insisted, explaining restricted operating hours would mitigate the chances of the facilities being used for anything other than their intended purpose.

“Don’t have it for 24 hours,” he said. “Only have it [open] at peak time whenever it’s busy, say from nine ‘till six.”

Cllr Ahmed also claimed that having cleaners and attendants present would help to keep the site in decent order.

So what is the councillor’s next move?

“I have written to the city council,” he said. “I will hold the council fully accountable and continue to push for real, visible, and lasting improvements until the city centre meets the needs of all residents and visitors.”