The toilets in Roundwood Park, Willesden, were closed in 2022, with Brent Council citing “persistent antisocial behaviour” and “significant ongoing costs” as the reasons for keeping them shut.
A leading councillor has pointed to toilets in the park’s cafe and an accessible cubicle remaining open.
But many argue that the closure of the block has created a serious barrier to enjoying one of the borough’s award-winning green spaces, as well as significant health risks to the community.
Brent resident Amandine Alexandre, who has lived in the borough for 13 years, has slammed Brent Council for not listening to its residents and has launched a petition calling for the toilets to be reopened or replaced.
“The closure of the park toilets is a health issue for residents.” Alexandre said. “It affects everyone, especially women, parents with children, disabled people, older people, and those with health conditions.”
She added that the lack of facilities discourages many from using the park altogether and undermines the council’s own initiatives to promote health and inclusion.
Alexandre said: “Women spend less time in parks than men and that affects our health and sense of well-being in a very negative way.”
“Having access to inclusive green spaces boosts our health. Girls are less likely to be anxious and depressed when they spend time in green spaces.”
Earlier this year, Brent Council announced plans to spend £3 million on Green Corridors in Roundwood and Church End, a scheme to encourage local people to use the park and tackle health inequalities.
Alexander believes that this investment makes reopening or rebuilding public toilets even more vital and urgent.
A group of residents held a demonstration in August to call for the toilets to be reinstated, but despite their efforts, the council has not changed its stance.
Councillor Krupa Sheth, cabinet member for public realm and enforcement, said: “The café’s toilets remain available for park users, and the accessible cubicle continues to serve those who need it.”
In response Alexandre said: “The reply from Brent Council is completely inadequate. They are not paying attention to what people have to say.”
She argues that Roundwood Lodge Cafe toilets are not a suitable replacement as their opening hours don’t align with those of the park and cannot accommodate the same level of use.
Park user Martin Francis, who also attended the demonstration said: “It’s an inclusion issue for the whole community.”
Mr Francis, who lives with kidney disease, said that the lack of toilet facilities has often prevented him from enjoying his local park.
Reflecting on the protest he said: “Many people expressed sympathy and said very much the same things – that they had to curtail their visits to go home to use a toilet.”
Alexandre will present the petition when the full council next meets on November 10.
For now, campaigners say they will continue pressing the council to listen and to take action that ensures Roundwood Park remains accessible to all.
Link to the petition : https://democracy.brent.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=333&RPID=0&HPID=0
