Concerns are being raised over the "very limited availability" of public toilets in Oxford as one politician continues to insist there are only "two major facilities" despite the council listing eight.

Councillors have weighed in with their thoughts on the subject after Independent Temple Cowley representative Saj Malik told us he was disappointed at there being just "two" facilities in the city. 

The city council website lists eight in the city centre at Gloucester Green, Market Street, Oxford Town Hall, Magdalen Street East, Oxpens, Oxford Westgate Library, The Westgate Centre and Oxford Train Station.

Gloucester Green toilets (image: Richard Cave).Gloucester Green toilets (image: Richard Cave). (Image: Other.)

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Mr Malik said: "With all due respect the town hall and other places close at a certain time.

"I had also classified the city centre differently."

The councillor recognised the toilets at Gloucester Green and Market Street as "major facilities" but then went on to respond to each of the public toilets listed, giving arguments against.

He suggested Magdalen Street East was half a public toilet after it had been made unisex, that "Westgate is not run by the city council" and "of course there is one there - it's like having one in McDonalds" and "any station will have a toilet" and "they are disgusting there".

Saj Malik.Saj Malik. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

An Oxford City Council spokesman said: "There are eight sets of public toilets located in or around the city centre, four are managed by ODS on behalf of the council and one is within Town Hall.

"A full list of all public toilets in the city is available on the council's website. The train station toilets are not managed by the city council."

Graham MacDonald, of the iScream Gelateria store in the Covered Market, said: "There are never enough public toilets - I think it's true of many cities.

"Sadly we have to often send people to M&S.

"There is very limited availability after 5.30."

Graham Macdonald.Graham MacDonald. (Image: Ed Nix.)

Mr MacDonald said he gets asked a lot about toilets and that for people who weren't customers it was "the most commonly asked question".

He added: "I have a good friend from South Africa who doesn’t regard the country's public toilet provision as being a particularly strong area but he still says Oxford is worse than what he’s used to."

Independent Oxford Alliance councillor David Henwood said: "Some of our toilets have been labelled by many as ‘grim’ and hardly reflect well on picturesque Oxford.

David Henwood.David Henwood. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"Thomas Crapper born (1838-1910) invented ‘water closets’ the ballcock and S bend and leant his name to many modern words associated with his name and business.

"With engineers like him to reinvent or come up with innovative ideas in public toilet design, that in turn would improve Oxford’s toilets."

Liberal Democrat city council group leader Dr Chris Smowton added: "We can't underestimate how important public facilities can be, particularly to disabled people who are less likely to find it easy to access toilets provided within commercial premises such as cafes.

"They're always vulnerable to closure during a budget squeeze - I hope the city gives them a high priority."

Chris Smowton.Chris Smowton. (Image: Other.)

 

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi