Paddling pool visitors call for better toilets

Visitors to a children's paddling pool in Nottingham have criticised the lack of permanent toilets or changing facilities nearby.

The Victoria Embankment Paddling Pool reopened on 22 May following a £750,000 refurbishment to repair leaks and other issues.

This work did not include the installation of any toilets or changing rooms, and instead there are currently three portable toilets next to the pool.

Nottingham City Council said it "wasn't possible" to provide a permanent toilet with the available funding but it was exploring funding options for the future.

Louis Knight, 29, said the facility was "all round positive" for the city but the toilets let it down.

"I took my daughter in there and it is dirty. There was a piece of excrement on the floor in there," he said.

"It's great what they're trying to do here, it's all good intentions, but I think having a place to go to the toilet is crucial."

He acknowledged a toilet block could attract anti-social behaviour but said this could be countered by regular maintenance and cleaning.

"Anything's better than just a plastic box," he said.

The nearest brick-and-mortar toilets are found at a cafe which is a five minute walk away but they are reserved for customers only.

There were public toilets available at the entrance to The Embankment, near Trent Bridge but the Grade-II listed building has been closed for years.

James Richards, 71, and his daughter Samantha Richards, 35, said it was "crazy" not to build a toilet alongside the revamped paddling pool.

The pair used to visit the site when they were younger, before its renovation.

Ms Richards said she took her little girl to use the temporary toilets and was unhappy with what she encountered.

"There was wee all over the floor," she said. "So straight away I was in a predicament and had to pick her up.

"Because it's leaking, because it's not properly in the ground, it's a bit of a mess."

She also said not having any changing facilities could be problematic for older children who visit the site.

"It sounds like you're moaning, but really, you've come here and you just want a nice time," Mr Richards added.

Nottingham City Council said there was a cleaning schedule in place to ensure the toilets were regularly checked.

The local authority said the paddling pool had been "hugely popular" since it opened.

"Inevitably this does put pressure on toilet facilities," a spokesperson said.

"We are keeping [the cleaning schedule] under review, particularly with the number of people who will want to enjoy the peel this week in the warm weather."

"It wasn't possible to provide a permanent toilet facility with the original funding available to build the pool but we are exploring funding options to see what is possible."

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.