Safety concerns have been raised about public toilets at Helen Garden in Meads after Eastbourne Council reconfigured the facilities as part of cost-cutting measures.
The toilets at the popular seafront location have been altered, with the female toilet converted to “gender neutral” and the male toilet closed, with access currently blocked by a fallen waste pipe. Members of St John’s Bowls Club, which rents space in the building, have raised concerns about the current arrangement.
Barbara Robinson, Secretary of St John’s Bowls Club, said: "I am extremely concerned about the safety implications of this arrangement for female users. Women and girls should have access to single-sex facilities, particularly in a public space like this. The current setup is completely inappropriate and puts female users at potential risk."
The changes are part of Eastbourne Council’s Community Toilet Scheme, introduced earlier this year as the authority struggles with mounting debt and warnings over its financial stability. The scheme saw the council step away from directly running most public toilets, instead relying on businesses and organisations to make their facilities available to the public. At the same time, the council introduced a controversial £1 charge for remaining seafront toilets.
Cllr Jane Lamb said: "A year on from the introduction of the Community Toilet Scheme, it’s clear this experiment has failed to deliver. Residents are paying more and getting less. The arrangements for the toilets at Helen Garden are simply unacceptable. We believe that three separate toilets: one for males, one for females and an accessible toilet, must be maintained and refurbished as they have been in the past."
While recently submitted proposals for a ramp will improve wheelchair access to the accessible toilet, the overall state of the rear of the building has deteriorated significantly.
Cllr Robert Smart added: "This is another example of Eastbourne's Liberal Democrat run council trying to paper over the cracks instead of taking long-term decisions. We are seeking alternative grant funding options to refurbish all three toilets and make proper improvements. This building was a gift to the town, and it should reflect the pride and generosity of its benefactor, Mrs Helen Lewis, who donated it in 1933."
