Residents frustrated as row over ‘filthy’ and ‘rotten’ Crystal Palace Park toilets continues
By Kiro Evans, local democracy reporter
Bromley residents are growing increasingly frustrated as the row over the “filthy” and “rotten” Crystal Palace Park toilets continue.
An e-petition by local resident Hatice Ocal has attracted nearly 4,000 signatures as she calls on Bromley council to improve the condition of the facilities.
The men’s bathroom has stained urinals and discoloured cubicle tiling on November 2.
Ms Ocal said the toilets are “filthy” and “not properly maintained for public use”.
Her complaints were echoed by people in the park who used the lavatory and spoke to the LDRS.
Steve Parker (pictured), who used to live locally but is now living in Orpington, described the toilets as “pretty gross” and complained that the “hand dryer doesn’t work”.
As a former member of the Crystal Palace Angling Association, Mr Parker said better toilet facilities “would be great” for the club who are based nearby.
A regular park goer who did not wish to be named branded the bathroom “rotten and unhygienic”
The 53-year-old added: “In 2021 is [the state of the toilets] really acceptable? This is one of the best parks in South London and it looks like this.”
Labour Councillor Angela Watkins, who supported the e-petition, said the Gents and Ladies rooms had been “appalling for years”.
She added: “They are completely unacceptable for a park of this size. They are not fit for purpose. You would have to be absolutely desperate to use them.”
Cllr Watkins also noted that Lightopia, the lantern and light festival held in the park later this month, will be attended by families and children who would have to use the “inadequate” facilities.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted Bromley council for comment.
Last month, the council pledged to promptly carry out a major refurbishment of the loos.
The Crystal Palace Park Trust is also to hold a public consultation before the end of the year so residents can have their say on the toilets.