Reprieve for Marina public loos

Rother council has approved the cabinet u-turn recommendation to open the loos until September 30.

The decision follows concern in cabinet about the effect of the April 1 closure of the Marina toilets as part of economy measures under which it was decided not to re-open the vandal-damaged Buckhurst Place toilets and the long-shut toilets at Little Common Road. Toilets at Ropewalk at Rye were also closed.

Bexhill Rowing Club has been invited to host the Coast Amateur Rowing Association Championships in September. The event is estimated to bring 600 competitors to the central area of the seafront plus thousands of spectators.

Monday's council decision also means that the Marina block will go to the top of the list when Rother undertakes its long-term review of how its toilets are run.

One way of paying for the Marina toilets to remain open would be for the costs to be added to the special expenses charge paid by Bexhill council taxpayers for local amenities instead of the cost being born as part of general Rother expenses.

But because Rother imposes the Bexhill special expenses charge, the cost would still count against the Council Tax levy so far as the risk of the authority being capped is concerned.

During public question time at Monday's meeting, Paul Lendon asked what savings would be made by toilet closures, what the cost would be of maintenance on closed toilets and what alternative use had been considered for the sites of closed toilet blocks.

The leader of the council, Cllr Graham Gubby, said: When the cabinet discussed the future service provision and potential closing of the district's public conveniences as part of a difficult budget-setting process in November 2004 the estimated saving was 33.500 for the whole of 2005-2006.

"Maintenance of the closed facilities should be minimal following draining down, estimated at 500 a year to include any costs of vandalism."

On alternative uses, he said: "No decision has yet been taken by cabinet or council.

"The services overview and scrutiny committee has a full review of the provision of public conveniences within its work programme commencing in June, 2005."

Mr Lendon added: "I feel that the closure of the marina toilets is starting to cause a few problems."

Cllr Gubby said: "The cost of maintaining public conveniences across the district represents some 14 per cent of the budget.

"We only have funds to refurbish two conveniences a year. I am sure they can be taken on by local town and parish councils if it is appropriate."