Highgate’s Lib Dem councillors have expressed disappointment after Haringey Council refused to put pressure on Camden to reverse its unpopular decision to close the public toilets in Pond Square, N6. However, they have welcomed the positive approach taken by Transport for London (TfL), which has said it will look at part-funding the loos.

The response comes following correspondence from Cllr Bob Hare to the new Lead Kember for the Environment in Camden, urging him to make the reopening of the toilets a top priority.

The toilets were closed by Camden Council without public consultation and, Cllr Hare says, without properly considering the needs of the local community. Camden have cited the lavatory’s annual running cost of GBP37,000 as the reason for the closure.

However Cllr Hare believes that little money will be saved by the closure as Camden Council have an obligation to maintain the building as it has listed status.

He is disappointed that both councils have failed to recognise the importance of the toilets, particularly at this time of year when the village, Hampstead Heath and Highgate cemetery receives many shoppers and visitors. Local bus drivers also often use the loos.

Cllr Hare comments:

“I am very disappointed that Haringey Council has not offered any help to resolve this issue. However, TfL has taken a positive approach and we will continue to lobby Haringey to work with Camden and transport bosses to look at ways of sharing the running costs of this important facility.”