Community toilet scheme launched after 'incredible' response

Eastbourne Borough Council's community toilet scheme has officially launched with 13 new toilet operators confirmed and most council facilities remaining open too - these include the seafront toilets at Holywell, Bandstand and Pier, and will be joined by Fisherman's Green when repairs have been completed.  

While final discussions continue with a small number of potential toilet operators, the combination of businesses and other organisations making their own facilities available or running the council's existing public conveniences, means up to 27 venues across Eastbourne are accessible to residents and visitors.

Councillor Colin Swansborough, Cabinet Member for Community Spaces, said:

"Firstly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the local businesses and organisations that have embraced the community toilet scheme so positively - the scheme has exceeded all expectations, thanks in largest part to their incredible response.

"We are still discussing a few toilets venues and, together with some of the new operators, arranging for repairs to facilities where vandalism has put them out of use. However, when you consider there was only 12 council run toilets available in 2024, it is fantastic news that our residents and visitors will have up to 27 toilets in 2025."

All the scheme participants will display stickers in their windows or have signs nearby to confirm their toilets are available.  Additionally, the council is installing permanent signs on lampposts across the town signposting where to find a toilet and posters are also being put up.

Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said:

"When the enormity of the homelessness and temporary accommodation crisis made reductions in services inevitable, I made it a priority to find an alternative way of keeping our public toilets open. We have always known how important public toilets are, and have been determined to find ways of protecting their provision. 

"Everybody knows by now that Local Government is under increasing pressure due to rising costs. Spending nearly £5 million every year on temporary accommodation isn't remotely sustainable and without government intervention our council, and many other councils, will continue to face the most challenging financial pressures."

"Despite these severe challenges, I am so pleased that we have been able increase the number of toilets for residents and visitors, by working with our partners and are confident that all the public toilets will soon be open.  If you would like to join the community toilet scheme, please do get in touch."

For more information about the Community Toilet Scheme please visit: www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/ECTS

 

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