A trail of destruction has been left at the site of the old Harold Place public toilets site in Hastings town centre 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 over the weekend.

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.

Storm damage at the former public conveniences in Harold Place

placeholder image — Storm damage at the former public conveniences in Harold Place

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.

Councillors on the authority's planning committee 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.

Residents have called for action to be taken and commented on the Observer's Facebook page.

One said: “Something needs to be done. To be honest it looks messy and it just doesn’t look great for Hastings. It’s disgusting to see what this town is looking like.”

Another said: “We need loos back. Stupid council decisions.”

And another resident said: “Feel sorry for the people who have to look at this view from their windows.”

Hastings Borough Council has been approached for a comment.