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Why York’s ‘splash palace’ public toilets shocked the world

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Why York’s ‘splash palace’ public toilets shocked the world

Dubbed as among the world’s ‘most shocking’ toilets in a viral YouTube video, as well as a York eyesore, locals had a simple name for these infamous loos in Parliament Street – the ‘splash palace’.

Today we take a deep dive into why York’s ‘splash palace’ public toilets shocked the world.

The facilities first opened in 1992 following the refurbishment of York’s existing underground toilets in Parliament Street.

Parliament Street toilets in 1989

But by 2008, plans were being mooted by the council to close the toilets and reuse the prominent position in the heart of York city centre for ‘event’ space.

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Not only was the building derided as an eyesore, it was blighted by vandalism, blocked drains and bad access.

Safe to say, thanks to the ‘splash palace’ York did not have a glowing reputation for its public toilets. In 2008, a director of the British Toilet Association condemned York’s public toilet provision, saying: “I know, having visited York, that you come away thinking ‘nice Minster, shame about the toilets’.”

Few people lamented the demolition of this building, despite the loss of a much-needed set of public toilets smack bang in York city centre.

Building the 'splash palace' in 1991 - it was later demolished in 2018. York Press photoBuilding the ‘splash palace’ in 1991 – it was later demolished in 2012. York Press photo

The toilets became even more of a talking point after being featured in a YouTube video series on ‘The World’s Most Shocking Toilets’.

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In the Youtube video, the presenters head downstairs into the gents’ toilets and are immediately overcome by the smell and the sight of overflowing bins – and worse. At one point, the camera goes into a cubicle and the presenter declares: “There’s actually poo on the wall”.

In 2012, the fate of the ‘splash palace’ was still being decided by local leaders – despite having closed some two years previously and being used as a temporary storage facility.

Pressure was mounting on the council to demolish the public toilets which were costing an estimated £8,000 of taxpayers’ money a year and were regularly targeted by vandals and covered in graffiti.

Extensions to the gents’ underground toilets in Parliament Street in 1894.

The council set aside £120,000 to cover the costs of demolishing the building.

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The Press called on the loos to go – an editor’s comment at the time said: “Few will be sad that planning permission to pull down the “splash palace” on Parliament Street has been applied for. It’s been an eyesore since it closed and is long overdue for demolition.

“The move is part of the Reinvigorate York programme and we think it should just be the start of regeneration for this part of York.”


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Ahead of the closure, new public toilets were opened in Silver Street, off Newgate Market – which still exist today.

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The ‘splash palace’ public toilets were finally demolished in March 2012, clearing the way for the space in Parliament Street to be used for a variety of new purposes.

Parliament Street, York. July 1991.Foundations being dug out for the ‘splash palace’.York Press photo

Over the years, the site has been used to host various events and attractions, including the York Food Festival, Thor’s tipi, and the York Christmas Market.

Today, locals still lament the number of public toilets in York – and may be surprised at a recent story rating loo provision in York as the second best in the UK.

Thor’s tipi in Parliament Street this summer – on the site of the former ‘splash palace’

In a study published by QS Supplies, York has the second highest number of public toilets in the UK – with 35.8 public toilets per 100,000 people.

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For its density of WCs, the city only falls behind Exeter, which has 38.7 toilets, and comes far ahead of nearby Leeds, which has 4.3, and Hull with 2.3 toilets per hundred thousand people.

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Brazil vs Japan LIVE: World Cup 2026 match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction

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Brazil vs Japan LIVE: World Cup 2026 match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction

Brazil squad: Alisson Becker, Ederson, Weverton, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gleison Bremer, Leo Pereira, Roger Ibanez, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Ederson, Fabinho, Danilo, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan, Igor Thiago

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Cambridgeshire farm shop owner ‘disappointed’ after burglary leaves it unable to open

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Cambridgeshire Live

The farm shop was forced to remain closed for several hours after the break-in

A Cambridgeshire farm shop and café has been broken into. Cambridgeshire Police were called at about 8.30am on Sunday, June 28, with reports of a burglary at an address on Brockley Road, Elsworth.

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The incident happened at Frank’s Farm and a crime has been raised for business burglary. Paul Sanderson, one of the co-founders and directors at Frank’s Farm, said he heard about the break in via a phone call.

He arrived to find “two of the doors taken off their hinges” with “one of them completely destroyed” and “glass all over the floor of one of the units”.

He added: “We are going to have to replace both of the doors, the locks and it was obviously the knock on to the business yesterday because we were unable to open on time. We had lots of people coming down for breakfast and we just weren’t able to open because of the damage and the clear up.”

He said a lot of people were “disappointed” on Sunday (June 28) as they were unable to have their coffee and breakfast. Mr Sanderson emphasised that “it is just one of those business disruptions you just don’t need”.

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He continued: “The team pulled together really well. We had a lot of support from those who weren’t [scheduled] to be on to say ‘can we come in and help?’ It was a case of everyone pulls together and we crack on for the customers.”

Mr Sanderson said he has supplied police with CCTV footage. Investigations are ongoing. The force has urged anyone with information to contact police online or via 101 quoting reference: 35/48397/26.

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Commuters say lives ‘made easier’ as new Cambridge South station opens

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Cambridgeshire Live

Commuters filled the station during the Monday morning commuter rush

Commuters have welcomed the opening of Cambridge’s long-awaited third train station. After delays, Cambridge South Station officially opened on Sunday (June 28).

The new £250 million station is based next to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Commuters filled the station on Monday morning (June 29), as they headed for trains on the station’s first busy day.

Those travelling through the new station have shared their thoughts on the opening. Trudy Day said the opening has “taken its time” but it’s “been worth the wait”.

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She added: “It’s going to make my life so much easier and I’m sure it will be for others as well. It looks so busy already as well so clearly a lot of people needed it.

“I do find it crazy that Cambridge now has three stations, but it’s such a big city and looking at how many people are here, it’s clearly needed.”

Ashah Shashank, who lives in Trumpington, said the station is “easier to walk to”. He added: “It’s much closer. I would have liked it to open in January but it’s pretty good.

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“What this station does is it gives people an opportunity to go into the city and come back into this area. It’s great being next to the hospitals as well.”

Another person who lives in Trumpington, who wished to remain anonymous, said it also makes her commuting journey a “lot easier”. She said: “I don’t have to get the park and ride anymore, which takes a bit longer and they are not always on time. And then it takes longer to get the train from the city centre.”

The woman added that it’s easier as she can walk to the station from her home. “It would have been good for it to be open sooner, but I’m glad it’s opened,” she added.

Roberta, who asked to use only her first name, said the new station was “needed” and it’s “very helpful”. She added: “It’s good and the station is great. I think it’s good because it’s going to take people more central.”

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Cambridge South is expected to serve around 1.8 million passengers a year, with up to nine trains an hour travelling through the station. It is the first station under new public sector body Great British Railways.

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June temperature record updated to provisional 37.7C

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June temperature record updated to provisional 37.7C

The June temperature record that had stood since 1976 was repeatedly broken during last week’s heatwave, as exceptionally hot and humid conditions led the Met Office to issue a rare red warning for extreme heat for some areas – the first time it has issued such a warning for three days in a row.

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David Beckham stops guest in Wimbledon Royal Box to make personal request

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Daily Mirror

England football legend David Beckham was in the Royal Box on Day One of Wimbledon along with his mother, Sandra, and the former England captain had a request for a certain celebrity

It appears that even Sir David Beckham occasionally gets a little starstruck.

Because even English footballing royalty and one of the most well-known men on the planet sometimes can’t resist being a fanboy. And on the opening day of Wimbledon, while sitting in the Royal box alongside his mother, for Becks, that meant taking a selfie with Dame Mary Berry.

Both were in attendance at SW19 on the first day of the 2026 Championships to watch reigning champion Jannik Sinner in his opening round match.

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And looking dapper as ever in a sleek grey suit, 51 year-old Beckham was seen requesting a photo with the TV chef, famous for her role as a beloved judge on The Great British Bake Off.

Firstly he stood up to grab a picture of himself with his mother, Sandra. Then he requested a group picture with Berry and Deborah Jevans, the chair of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club.

Beckham, who presently manages his time in both the UK and USA, where he co-owns MLS club Inter Miami, is a regular attendee at the Wimbledon and was sitting front row in the Royal Box to watch Sinner open up his title defence against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic.

Alexander Armstrong, the TV star and former host of BBC show Pointless, actor Mark Rylance, and Katherine Jenkins were among the star-studded names in attendance on Monday, all sat in the row behind.

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And he wasn’t the only Beckham at SW19, with son Romeo also spotted within the grounds, with his girlfriend, Kim Turnbull. It seems the invite into the VIP seats hadn’t been extended to his second eldest son.

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Celebrities from all fields are spotted in the prestigious box every year, but being a high-profile figure does not guarantee a seat. Guests must be invited by the former champion and chair, Jevans, who takes into account suggestions from the AELTC’s management committee, the Lawn Tennis Association, and other tennis bodies and prominent figures.

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A Royal Box invite also comes with plenty of rules to adhere to, including a strict dress code, with Lewis Hamilton famously falling foul of this back in 2015, when he was subsequently turned away from taking up a seat in the box.

Beckham and the Centre Court crowd welcomed top seed Sinner with a raucous reception as he made his way out. The Italian is the firm favourite this year with Carlos Alcaraz out due to a wrist injury.

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When is Serena Williams playing at Wimbledon and who will she face?

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When is Serena Williams playing at Wimbledon and who will she face?

The former world no1 is taking two bites of the cherry after being handed spots in both the singles and doubles competitions.

Williams has seven Wimbledon singles titles to her name plus six in the doubles, and last won both a decade ago in 2016.

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Cambridgeshire police officer shared ‘intimate images’ of detained woman

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Cambridgeshire Live

Comments made by the officer were found to be “derogatory and of a misogynistic nature”

A Cambridgeshire Police officer shared “intimate images” of a detained woman, a misconduct hearing heard. PC Josh Williams faced a misconduct hearing accused of sharing images of a detained female and making “derogatory” comments to another officer.

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PC Williams was accused of sharing messages and images, relating to a female who had been detained for criminal offences, to another officer without authority.

According to the hearing outcome, these images contained “intimate images of the detained female” and the comments made by PC Williams were “derogatory and of a misogynistic nature”. The hearing heard they were “unprofessional to say the least”.

Following an investigation, a summons was issued for two offences: misconduct in a public office and doing an act tending and intended to pervert the course of justice.

In May 2025, PC Williams entered a guilty plea in relation to misconduct in a public office. However, PC Williams entered a not guilty plea with regards to the allegation of perverting the course of justice. He was due to stand trial in June 2026.

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The accelerated hearing only related to the former offence to which a guilty plea had been entered. The actions of the officer were found to breach the professional standards in discreditable conduct.

The Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Police concluded that PC Williams’ conduct was “so serious that dismissal would be justified”. He therefore found that the conduct amounted to gross misconduct.

PC Williams did not attend the hearing. His case centres on an investigation that stemmed from another case which led to him being investigated for misconduct in a public office.

The initial download of the detainee’s phone was authorised. However, the downloading and sharing of the specific images and comments that were not authorised.

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Demand for West Lothian allotments grows as plans for third site being developed

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Daily Record

There are more than 70 allotments in Livingston and plans for a third site, in Boghall, Bathgate are being developed.

The Good Life has never been more attractive to the green-fingered in West Lothian and demand for allotment space is growing.

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While the TV show is more than 50 years old the “grow your own” idea which first took root in the 1970s has bloomed.

There are more than 70 allotments in Livingston and plans for a third site, in Boghall, Bathgate are being developed.

The Council has continued to work with Bathgate Community Development Trust (BCDT) to develop an allotment site adjacent to Boghall Primary school. In the reporting period BCDT worked towards plans for an allotment of mixed plot sizes which could be managed by an independent allotment association.

BCDT are responsible for securing funding to enable the delivery of the new allotment. Funding from WLC was utilised for an initial ground investigation and report to ascertain the land was suitable for food growing. Currently BCDT is preparing to submit proposals for planning.

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A council officer told the meeting that plans for the Boghall allotment had been submitted to the council and if approved the allotments could be operational by early next year.

A 2015 Holyrood Act requires the council to promote community food growing and the council supports local groups identifying sites.

A meeting of the Environment and Sustainability PDSP heard that there are currently 74 allotments on council sites at Killandean and Deansmeadow in Livingston.

Both allotment sites on council-owned land are leased to independent associations and were established prior to the introduction of the Act. These associations have maintained and administered their own waiting lists since their inception.

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Killandean Community Allotment Association has 54 plots and reported 43 applicants on its waiting list. Turnover of plots remains limited.

Deansmeadow Allotments Association has reported to have 22 plots with 12 applicants on the waiting list.

Both groups are fully self-managing, with no direct involvement from the council in the day-to-day operation of sites or the administration of waiting lists. The council does not play a direct role in the development or construction of allotments.

The 2015 Community Empowerment Act requires local authorities to take reasonable steps to ensure that the number of applicants on waiting lists for Council-leased allotments does not exceed 50% of the total number of available plots.

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When the council receives requests for allotment plots, applicants are directed in the first instance to Killandean Community Allotment Association and Deansmeadow Allotments Association. Applications for individual plots may be made by one or more individuals jointly; however, each application is recorded as a single request for the purposes of calculating waiting list numbers.

The council itself currently holds one applicant on its waiting list. At present, there is no dedicated level of investment to support the construction or direct management of allotments, and the waiting list is maintained primarily to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

Should either Killandean or Deansmeadow Allotments Associations have no applicants on their waiting lists and a plot becomes available, the council may assist in allocating a plot from its own waiting list.

The council can support the allocation of plots where new allotment sites are developed by independent community groups.

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Active NL’s Golf Team recognised on national stage after winning Community Team of the Year

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Daily Record

The award celebrates the team’s outstanding work in making golf more accessible and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities across North Lanarkshire.

Active NL’s Golf Team has been recognised on the national stage after winning Community Team of the Year at the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) Golf Awards.

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The award celebrates the team’s outstanding work in making golf more accessible and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities across North Lanarkshire.

A special event was held at Lochview Golf Course to celebrate the achievement, bringing together staff, partners and volunteers who have helped make the programme such a success.

Over the past year, Active NL’s Golf Team has continued to grow participation across local communities while focusing on inclusion, development and creating positive experiences through sport.

The team has worked closely with ASN schools to introduce golf to pupils with a wide range of additional support needs, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and enjoy being active in a welcoming environment.

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Links with mainstream schools have also strengthened, with local pupils invited to access Lochview free of charge on Friday afternoons.

The initiative has helped introduce more young people to golf and has contributed positively within the local community.

Programmes designed specifically for women and girls continue to thrive, with 75 girls taking part in the popular Girls’ Hub programme last year.

More than 100 children also regularly attend Lochview Academy as they begin their journey in the sport.

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John Kelly, Golf Operations Manager with North Lanarkshire Council, said: “This recognition belongs to the whole team, our staff, coaches, volunteers, grounds team, partners and participants.

“What makes this especially rewarding is seeing the difference golf can make beyond the game itself. We’ve seen young people grow in confidence, families get involved together and people discover opportunities they may never have thought were available to them.”

Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener of NLC’s Communities Committee, said: “This award is a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the commitment and passion shown by everyone involved in delivering golf opportunities across North Lanarkshire.

“The team has created something that goes well beyond sport. They’ve opened doors for people, supported communities and made golf accessible and welcoming to more residents.”

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BBC’s ‘masterpiece’ period drama based on novel ideal for Downton Abbey fans

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Cambridgeshire Live

BBC’s acclaimed historical fantasy Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, originally released in 2015, is now streaming on Prime Video and viewers are hailing it as a ‘masterpiece’

Enthusiasts of period dramas may have just stumbled upon their latest binge-watch. A BBC miniseries that appears tailor-made for admirers of Downton Abbey or Penny Dreadful is presently available to stream.

The programme, which first broadcast in 2015, can now be found on Prime Video, with audiences praising it as a “masterpiece”. The BBC historical drama is also based on an internationally bestselling novel by Piranesi author Susanna Clarke.

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It commands an impressive 92% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes – exactly the same score as Downton Abbey on the review aggregator site.

The synopsis reads: “In an alternate history, during the time of real life Napoleonic Wars, two men of destiny, the gifted recluse Mr. Norrell and daring spellcasting novice Jonathan Strange, use magic to help England.”

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, adapted from Clarke’s debut novel of the same name, features a stellar British cast including Eddie Marsan, Marc Warren, Charlotte Riley and Bertie Carvel, reports the Mirror.

The costume drama runs for just seven episodes, following the “dangerous battle between two great minds”. It received glowing reviews upon release, with Digital Spy branding it an ‘epic’ drama and the Independent calling it a ‘real treat’.

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Over on IMDb, viewers described the series as ‘spellbinding’, with one writing: “Having anticipated this show for quite some years, I was anxious about what the BBC would make of my favourite book.

“However, I had no need to worry, as they captured the tone of Susanna Clarke’s masterpiece of a novel perfectly: dark and creepy, yet at the same time eerily beautiful.”

“Starts slow, but ultimately becomes a masterpiece,” another posted, while a third confessed: “This is one of the best series I have seen in a long time.”

One viewer described the show as ‘outstanding’, commenting: “This is BBC drama at its very best and a great showcase for why the licence fee is such good value. The quality of acting is superb with brilliant casting, lighting, costumes and direction.”

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Elsewhere, on Rotten Tomatoes, one enthusiast said: “This is an excellent show, everything you can ask for in a well acted, written, and filmed, old English fantasy that you only have to invest in a season for the whole story.”

A further reviewer agreed: “Truly original and incredibly well done. Once you get through the first episode you’ll be surprised by the incredible action sequences. Amazing, unexpected.”

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