Community toilet scheme launches after uncertainty

Businesses can still apply to join the scheme

A community toilet scheme has launched in an East Sussex town following uncertainty surrounding its seafront facilities.

Eastbourne Borough Council had been consulting with residents on ways to save an extra £2.7m, and a proposal to replace seafront public toilets with the scheme were considered.

The scheme, which sees organisations offering their toilets to the public, has now been launched with 13 new operators, and most council facilities will also remain open.

Colin Swansborough, the council's cabinet member for community spaces, said the scheme had "exceeded all expectations".

The council-run toilets that are staying open include the facilities at Holywell, the bandstand, and the pier.

The toilets at Fisherman's Green will also remain open once repairs have been completed.

Swansborough added: "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."

Ellen Ludford, from Willingdon Trees Community Centre, said they wanted to get involved as there was no public toilet in the area.

She told BBC Radio Sussex: "It's something that we are really happy to be able to do, to be able to help people local to us, or people who just happen to pass by in the area."

All participants will display stickers in their windows or have signs nearby to confirm their toilets are available.

The council is also installing permanent signs on lampposts, and putting up posters, to show where to find a toilet.

Stephen Holt, the council's leader, said: "We have always known how important public toilets are, and have been determined to find ways of protecting their provision."