Shuttered seafront toilets an ‘embarrassment’ for Bognor Regis

The ‘embarrassment’ of toilets closed for more than a year on Bognor Regis’ seafront could soon be resolved.
The new block of toilets before it had to close last yearThe new block of toilets before it had to close last year
The new block of toilets before it had to close last year

The brand new public conveniences were open for just four months before being shut in early 2019 when defects were discovered.

Since then Arun District Council has trying to solve a dispute with the contractor who supplied the toilets.

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Last year temporary toilets had to be installed with a similar move set to happen this year too from mid-July to mid-September.

But Matt Stanley, cabinet member for technical services, said a confidential mediation meeting had been held between the council and supplier last week.

He added: “All I can say is good progress was made in the meeting and we have reached a satisfactory outcome. We should be able to explain and expand on that more in the coming weeks. In the meantime temporary toilets will be provided.”

Several councillors at the Bognor regeneration sub-committee on Wednesday (June 17) expressed concern about the temporary toilets having no disabled access.

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Jim Brooks (Ind, Marine) suggested he could have fixed the current ones with his toolbox.

He said: “It’s a huge embarrassment and people up there will be quite mad why we can’t get something done about it.”

Francis Oppler, deputy leader of the council, added: “I’m quite hearted to hear what could potential be some positive news. The toilets have been a monumental embarrassment.”

He still believes it was an issue ‘that could have been avoided’.

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Cllr Oppler added: “We have got to the position we have got to, let’s hope that it’s positive news and I certainly do not want to see another season where we have to have temporary toilets.”

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