Locals are furious over planned public toilet closures in Cambridge due to budget cuts.
The council plans to close three restrooms on Victoria Avenue, Gonville Place, and Quayside. This is part of a plan to save money, as the city needs to cut expenses by 2025/26. The council faces a significant budget problem, potentially short £11.5 million. Closing these three toilets could save £121,000 yearly, a plan recently discussed by the council committee.
One council person acknowledged the difficult choices being made, stating they listened to what people wanted while also investing in other restrooms. The council will close the three toilets soon, likely in 2025 or 2026.
Community members have expressed strong opposition. One person stated closing toilets is “crazy,” highlighting the essential nature of toilets for the city, especially for older people and visitors. They suggested a hotline to report poorly maintained toilets instead. Another person noted the frequent use of toilets at Parkers Piece and Midsummer Common during events, where users already pay a small fee. They are obviously busier than others. Some people requested that the council consider charging people a fee to use the facilities instead of closing the facilities. Some noted that the historic universities should pay for the facilities.
One person said Cambridge is known for its historic universities, which are known to be rich. Someone further pointed out that the council already charges fees at some locations, yet is still proceeding with closures. People with health issues may not want to visit.
Another person said the government cut funding. They said cuts were coming over an extend time horizon. They wish city officials would keep toliets. Finally, a person asked where the tax money goes. Many new homes are being built in Cambridge, yet the contributor still said that roads were being poorly maintained.