Talks about Aldwick's loos about to start

Aldwick parish councillors have agreed to approach Arun District Council about the future of the conveniences.

They decided by 9-1 votes at Monday’s meeting to speak to Arun’s leader, Cllr Gillian Brown, after relations between the authorities broke down last year.

Parish council chairman Cllr Dr Tony Poland said: “It’s good thing to open up a dialogue with Arun.

“This decision does not commit us to anything. It’s just about talking to them. It shows good faith.”

Aldwick was one of three parish councils in the district which did not pay any money towards keeping loos open, he stated.

The two authorities fell out over the toilets last autumn when Arun shut those in Marine Park Gardens - and blamed the parish council for withdrawing its share of funding the running costs.

The parish council had been paying some £7,800 a year towards all four sets of toilets in its area but had told Arun it was unhappy with the value for money.

Cllr Molly Myers said it was time to start afresh on the matter.

But Cllr Brian Dodd said Aldwick’s residents should not have to pay extra when part of their council tax to Arun already went to fund the toilets.

Cllr Mrs Brown (Aldwick East) later told the councillors: “I will be very pleased to work with you in any capacity about this.”