Residents' calls for action over 'eyesore' former Hastings public toilets site

A trail of destruction was left at the old Harold Place public toilets site following Storm Austen and Storm Boelo.

Billboards were blown over and debris was left strewn across the ground after the town was hit by stormy weather.

Now residents have called for the area to be tidied, with some suggesting that the toilets be reinstated or a community garden be built.

People commented on the Observer's Facebook page with their views.

Alex Pass said: “Be a good site for something like public toilets.”

Anthony Stanbridge said: “This site could've been made safe and used as a temporary community garden for wildlife and everyone in Hastings to enjoy, but it's been fenced off by the previous council and left as an eyesore in the town centre for years.”

Paul Fairweather said: “Turn it into a green space with benches for people to enjoy.”

Maureen Gladson said: “Why don't they do something with it instead of the eyesore hoarding that's blown down.”

Pete Atkins said: “Just make it a taxi rank or a bigger bus stop for the area. Will look better and I'm sure won't cost too much to achieve.”

The public conveniences in Harold Place closed in April 2017 after Hastings Borough Council decided in February that year to shut the facilities in order to make budget savings.

In March 2022 council-led plans for a new two-storey restaurant at the site were turned down by the authority itself at a planning committee meeting.

Hastings Borough Council had agreed on a budget of £1.7m for the project and operator Loungers UK Limited – the company behind the Lounges and Cosy Club brands.

Planning committee councillors said at the time that residents were concerned about potential noise, increased traffic, and more takeaway drivers in the area.

The site has remained undeveloped since.

Hastings Borough Council has been approached for a comment.