Council to consider major investment to improve public toilets across West Oxfordshire

The Council currently operates 13 public toilets but, following a detailed review and consultation with Town and Parish Councils, six underused sites will close by the end of March 2026. Two of these sites are operated from leased premises and will be handed back to the property owners. This will enable further investment to be focused on the more heavily used facilities, ensuring they are modern, practical and accessible. 

Councillor Lidia Arciszewska, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “We know how important it is for people to have reliable access to clean, safe and well-maintained public toilets when they’re out and about.  

“That’s why we’re focusing investment on the seven locations data tells us are most used, improving the quality and accessibility of the facilities, and ensuring they remain fit for purpose for years to come.  

“In areas where facilities are closing, there are good alternative options nearby, so people won’t be left without access. It is an approach that balances the need to provide more modern, welcoming facilities in the locations they’re needed most, with making responsible use of public money.” 

Among the planned improvements are full refurbishments at four locations, including Langdale Gate in Witney and Guildenford Car Park in Burford. These upgraded facilities will feature a modern, gender-neutral layout with individual cubicles, improved access for people with disabilities, and better lighting and ventilation. 

Contactless card readers would also be introduced at refurbished sites, giving customers the choice of paying with coins or by card payment . This reflects the growing demand for digital payment options and is expected to make the facilities more convenient and accessible to all.  

In total, the Council would invest £532,140 into the retained facilities, a move that would also reduce the annual running costs of the service by around £100,000 and avoid nearly £88,000 in repair costs at the sites that are closing. 

Facilities that will remain open and benefit from the investment include: 

• Langdale Gate, Witney 

• Guildenford Car Park and High Street, Burford 

• Hensington Road, Woodstock 

• New Street, Chipping Norton 

• Bampton Town Hall 

• Kilkenny Country Park, Carterton 

Toilets set to close include those at The Leys in Witney, Spendlove in Charlbury, the Town Hall in Chipping Norton, Back Lane in Eynsham, Black Bourton Road in Carterton, and Browns Lane in Woodstock. These sites either have low usage or alternative public facilities nearby. 

The decision follows a careful and comprehensive review of all public toilets across the district, which considered usage levels, condition, and running costs. Town and Parish Councils were invited to take on the management of these facilities, but none opted to do so due to the ongoing funding required. 

This proposed investment reflects Council’s commitment to ensuring its facilities remain well-maintained, fit for purpose and accessible to the people who depend on them. It will also ensure that the district hands over good quality public toilet facilities to the new unitary council that will take over in 2028, protecting key local services.