Lower Castle Park toilets petition started by Colchester Views

The toilets in Lower Castle Park, situated near the boating lake, were closed to the public for good at the start of the month. 

Council bosses said that the decision was made to save on cost and due to the toilets being frequently vandalised.

The authority understood the “public’s concern” but cited “expensive repair bills” making them “extremely costly to keep open”.

Lower Castle Park - another image of the toilets (Image: Google Maps) Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell previously said that no councillors had agreed to the closure.

Now, the X account, Colchester Views, has launched a petition in protest against the closure.

It’s an effort to help highlight that the public toilets are needed as many people use the facility.

The petition can be found by clicking here.

A spokesman for Colchester Views said: “I started it because, people contacted and said, surely this can’t be right.

“The council has said it’s saving £5,500 per anum, it doesn’t make sense.

Not pleased - Sir Bob Russell (Image: Credited) “Disabled, elderly and younger people have contacted and wanted a voice.

“I have provided that voice. The council need to understand how unpopular this decision is.”

Colchester Council said in a previous statement it will be focusing on maintain the “other two more heavily used public toilet facilities in Castle Park to a high standard”.

The council’s change is part of its efforts to “manage unprecedented financial pressures on the council’s budget”.

A spokesman for the council confirmed it is working “hard to transform into a leaner, more efficient organisation, reducing operating costs by 25 per cent over the next two years.”

There are public toilets located near the High Street entrance to Castle Park, behind the Hollytrees Museum, and by the café near the bandstand.

Castle Ward Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor has shared his views on the toilets.

Ward Councillor - Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor (Image: Newsquest) He said: “We agree that these toilets need to be reopened.

“The ongoing problems with maintaining them and keeping them open and clean and safe to use, is something we are aware of.

“The only way we’re going to able to reopen them is with additional funding from somewhere.

“I am calling upon the new labour government to reverse a decade of austerity.”

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “We understand the public's concerns regarding the closure of the toilets in Lower Castle Park.

“Our decision to prioritise resources for other, more heavily used facilities in Castle Park is based on our commitment to ensuring public safety, park accessibility, and responsible budgeting during a challenging financial period.”