Has slated Rye loo improved?

The Rother District Council run convenience at Crown Fields has been described as being ‘Third World’ by visitors to Rye.

There have been claims of a constant unpleasant smell, poor washing facilities and graffiti.

But members of Rye Town Council’s Public Services Committee, which met on Monday, said the toilets have been cleaner and better recently.

Though they have said the bad smell seems to remain no matter what measures cleaning contractors take.

Rye Community Transport co-ordinator Pat Hughes said: “I am sure the smell is being caused by the floor which needs replacing.”

She added: “They have been cleaner though and the soap dispenser was working.”

But councillors are still pointing to public loos at Hastings as the standard Rother should be aiming for.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Bernardine Fiddimore said: “I recently used the public toilet in Ore, which is not a place that you would necessarily think would be of a high standard, and yet it was immaculate, clean and fresh smelling. It had even won awards.”

Resident Nick Taylor said: “If you want an example of well run and maintained public toilets you should look to St Leonards.”

Rye Town Council has set up a working party to look into the issue of Rye’s public toilets and whether they can be taken over and maintained locally at some point in the future.