New toilets high on list of improvements that would make Hastings better
Hastings MP Helena Dollimore has had a huge response after asking members of the public how they would like to see the £21.5 million Government Pride in Place money spent.
Recent improvements to local infrastructure from the funding include more litter bins appearing and a new sign on seafront directing people to the shops, restaurants and galleries beneath Earls Court.
But when people responded to the MP’s appeal many called for new town centre toilets.
The main town centre toilet block was closed in April 2017 after Hastings Borough Council decided to shut the facilities in order to make budget savings. The site has has been boarded up since and has been condemned as an ‘eye-sore’ by many local people.
The only toilets in the town centre is a small unit at the the top of Priory Meadow, which is closer to Hastings railway station.
More than 100 residents responded to the MP’s request for suggestions and a number of people said more and better toilets were needed.
Hazel Batkin said: “Rebuild and replace the public toilets in the town with a managed office. Keep them open later in the evenings to stop the public urination issue.”
Another resident added: “Put the toilets back in the town centre that the Council stole from us. The place looks like a dump and is now costing us more money for the building site boards to be replaced after the storm.”
Jan Carter said: “Our lack of toilets and beach showers is a disgrace. Businesses cannot be expected to offer all the toilet facilities in the town.”
Caroline Marie said: “More public toilets that are open for longer. Its unacceptable that in 2026 grown adults feel its ok to urinate in the streets because there are no facilities open to them. This is such a health hazard.
Others called for more seagull proof litter and community bins and there was a suggestion for free parking to help support local businesses.
Jane de Garston said: “Reduce parking charges and charge times. I have to drive into Hastings as public transport from out of town isn’t good. Having to pay to park late in the evening makes an evening out in Hastings expensive. The car parks are often empty at those times so I think a lot of visitors go home early rather than staying to enjoy an evening in town.
There was some concern that the Hollington area of Hastings is missing out on much needed funding, with Hollington Community Centre being turned down for a grant.
One resident commented: “Hollington seems to get forgotten about in funding bids.
Barbara Hedges suggested: “Demolish Queensbury House and put the fishing boat back on the roundabout in front of the station. It makes your hearts sink when leaving the station to be met by that site – there is certainly no pride in place there.”