Lewes District Council sets aside cash for Western Road toilets

The Express reported the concerns of deputy town mayor Stephen Catlin last month who said the disabled toilet facility had been out of use sinxe Christmas.

He said a notice had been fixed to the door saying ‘Closed. Currently no electricity’. He said a previous sign said it was closed due to a broken flush.

The ladies’ and gents’ toilets closed six years ago due to disrepair, but it was agreed the disabled toilet remained open for members of the public. It was also listed as a community asset.

Mr Catlin said the facility is heavily used by residents and was kept open to help worshipers at St Anne’s Church and those attending funerals there. He blamed ‘appalling property management’ for the closure.

Success

The Express can now report that the council has set aside funds to improve the toilet facilities.

Johnny Denis, district councillor and cabinet member for communities and customers, said: “We recognise that our toilets aren’t what they should be so we’ve set aside funds to see how we can bring them up to scratch in the next financial year.

“Our first step will be to carry out a full review of public conveniences across the district.

“Once this is complete, we will work with town and parish councils on delivering an improvement plan to enhance the facilities offered.

“We will review how we keep our toilets clean and properly maintained because this is what matters to our residents. We will certainly consider whether we should bring these services back in-house.”

Mr Catlin said in response: “Seems that my continuing questioning has produced results!”