"Toilets should always be free" calls as debate rages over plan to charge in Nottingham city centre

Plans to begin charging for public toilets in Nottingham have sparked a sharp debate amongst readers of Nottinghamshire Live. A protest to challenge the suggested costs at the Greyhound Street facilities was staged by Notts Save Our Services, adjacent to Old Market Square, near the iconic Brian Clough statue.

Notts Save Our Services spearheaded the protest which took place on Saturday, June 8, at 11am. Participants were encouraged to sign a petition against the proposed fee. Organiser Jean Thorpe labelled the move as "ridiculous", especially given that payment would be strictly via card transactions.

The proposed fee of 30p per use at the Greyhound Street facilities is estimated to generate £64,000 annually. One reader Yagalshaz, asked: "Flushing hell! What if it's a child or an elderly person who doesn't have a card and do you have to pay twice if you have to take your child? If you have to charge then at least make it a coin-operated system."

Waggletails joked: "The council are obviously not flush now." Porterhouseblue said: "There were free toilets at the top end of the Old Market Square. You know. The ones that were filled in beneath the fountains that no longer work."

Mercman1962 said: "I'm disabled and I need to use them we shouldn't have to pay. It's our human rights."

6reyngone said: "I've been for a pee recently in Matlock, Whitby, Loughborough & London's Victoria Station, paying for the privilege in each. Strangely enough, all were free from vandalism & drug addicts. Makes sense."

Brexiteer1 said: "Go in the street. Then see what they do. It's a human right and charging is discrimination." Urban75 agreed: "Toilets should always be free, end of."

Traveller92 commented: "If the charge is 30p or less and the toilets are kept clean and in good condition paid for by the fee, then I don't think it is unreasonable to pay."

Unicorn479 said: "As person with mobility issues, toilets in Nottingham are a disgrace. I have no problem paying a small amount, as long as they are accessible. But with all the money spent on the Slab Square, it would have been nice to see an accessible toilet block as part of the renovation. A large city with nowhere to go, it's a disgusting situation!"

Hugh_j said: "People will stop using them and go to other “free” toilets; pubs, McD’s, Vic Centre etc. If £64k is based on current use, it will be a lot less!"

Essex812 liked the idea behind the charge: "I think it's a good idea to charge as long as the cleanliness standard is improved. Charging will hopefully keep out the people who usually leave the toilets in a disgusting state. I'd happily pay £1 if the place was clean and didn't smell like a sewer!"

Where are you on this debate? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.