Residents Back Cllr Jane Lamb’s Calls for Eastbourne Council to Rethink the Planned Toilet Closures
Eastbourne Borough Council's proposal to close all of the town's public toilets in favour of a 'Community Toilet Scheme' has been opposed by Eastbourne’s Conservative opposition group. The controversial plan, which would rely on businesses opening their facilities to the public, has sparked widespread concern among residents and business owners.
At the recent full council meeting, Councillor Jane Lamb tabled a motion calling for a reconsideration of these plans. The meeting saw a significant public turnout, with four public speakers addressing the council to voice their objections.
Cllr Lamb argues that the proposed 'Community Toilet Scheme' is deeply flawed and would have severe consequences for Eastbourne:
"I'm one of hundreds who has objected to these proposed closures and the move to a 'Community Toilet Scheme'," said Cllr Lamb. "What we are talking about is a public health issue, an inclusion issue, a tourism issue, and a respect and humanitarian issue. Going to the loo is a basic human right."
Cllr Lamb criticises the council's justification for the closures, stating:
"The maintenance costs this council cites as the need for toilet closures are in part due to their long-term failure to invest in our public facilities. They are not maintained well enough and have not been kept up to date as many towns have, resulting in outdated and easily vandalised toilets that are expensive to run and clean."
Addressing the proposed community scheme, she expressed serious doubts:
"To propose that people just use businesses' toilets instead will depend entirely on those businesses being open and the goodwill of their owners. Many will, of course, feel pressure to make a purchase, which will hurt our poorest residents the most."
Cllr Lamb also highlighted the potential impact on tourism:
"If we are open to business as a tourist town, then this should be essential for both visitors and residents. People taking a stroll along the seafront shouldn't feel panicked and uncomfortable.
Brighton Council tried to take similar action a few years ago. They u-turned just a year later and are now investing in their toilets after they found their community toilet scheme didn't work.
The Council needs to rethink these plans, listen to residents, and keep our most important toilets open. We need investment in these crucial facilities so they are fit for purpose and aren't so easily vandalised in the future. Residents need to respond to the Council's consultation on these closures and make it clear that this town needs its public conveniences."
Speaking at the meeting as Chair of Eastbourne’s Hospitality Association, Cathrine Clifford said:
“Public facilities are vital to the success of Eastbourne, especially in attracting tourists and visitors. The council needs to reconsider its priorities when looking to cut costs, public toilets are a fundamental service in a seaside town, critical to tourism. Closing these facilities would harm the local economy and Eastbourne’s reputation, with the community toilet scheme being proposed a costly and burdensome alternative. Public toilets are an investment in the towns future”
Gaynor Sedgwick of Friends of Eastbourne Seafront added
“The proposal to not repair vandalised toilets during the consultation period is a cut too far, toilets are an essential service crucial to the wellbeing of residents, visitors and vital for tourism. Friends of Eastbourne seafront spoke to people about the council’s proposed community toilet scheme, 70% of the 230 people we spoke to said they would not visit the seafront or they would use it less if these planned closures go ahead”
The Council is running a consultation on these closures that will end on the 31st October - the consultation can be completed on the Councils website or by filling out a paper copy available from the Town Hall or by attending the public consultation event at the Town Hall on the 10th October.
