The full meeting of Rye Town Council on Monday May 13 heard distressing stories showing the impact closing some of Rye’s public toilets is having on locals and visitors.
The three-hour meeting at the town hall also debated the controversial proposal to spend more than £6000 on new robes for elected members, the continuing fallout from January’s stormy council meeting, a long-awaited acknowledgement about the climate emergency, and updates on planning in the town and Rye Leisure Centre.
Appalling conditions
During the discussion on Rye’s public toilets both councillors and members of the public shared often harrowing stories of how people have been affected by the closures and poor conditions. The toilets in the Gun Garden and The Strand remain shut because of cutbacks at Rother District council, and the state of the toilets that remain open was described as “appalling” and “reputationally damaging to a tourist town like Rye”.
Councillors heard in graphic detail the scale of the problem, particularly for the elderly and parents of young children. It was noted that both Pett and Rye Harbour had managed to find solutions to the problem, with some expressing surprise that Rye Town Council had taken so long to fully acknowledge the scale of the issue and come up with a plan.
The council heard that money was available from Rother, but this was again described as insufficient following long-running talks. After an impassioned plea from former Mayor Andi Rivett to get the toilets open by the Spring Bank Holiday, Rye Town Council approved “urgent interim action” and the formation of a committee to come up with a solution to keep all four toilets open and in good repair.
Update: On Wednesday May 15 Rye Town Council announced an additional meeting at the town hall to discuss the toilets. It will take place this Monday May 20 at 6.30pm when councillors will consider a briefing paper on "expediting the re-opening and managing of the closed facilities until 30 September 2024 (to cover the summer season)." The meeting is open to the public.
Value for money
The lengthy debate on whether to replace the councillors’ robes saw more passionate debate. The gowns, which are almost 100 years old and in poor repair, have become divisive in Rye with some attending the council meeting regarding them as a vital to the town’s traditions and history, with others seeing them as unnecessary during the cost-of-living crisis. The cost of the new robes was originally budgeted at over £6000.
Much of the debate between councillors focussed on finding a way forward that was the best value for money, starting with talks with a refurbishment supplier instead of replacing the gowns. Limiting robe use to “ceremonial” public occasions which could add to their useful life was also discussed.
A packed agenda
The meeting – the first with our new mayor Andy Stuart – started with wide ranging applause and the presentation of the past mayor’s badge to Andi Rivett. Reference was made to his extensive achievements and kindness as he performed the role.
The full meeting of Rye Town Council also discussed:
Inclusive Entertainment Rye Arts Festival were awarded a £500 grant to ensure that free events remain part of the festival. Activities will be largely youth oriented and include the participation of the Children’s Laureate.
Stable allotment management The long running and sometimes overheated discussions on the future management of the allotments now seems close to resolution, with agreement between council and allotment representatives on a way forward. The council now has now completed the transfer of the freehold from Rother.
Securing our swimming pool The huge task of transferring the Leisure Centre into local management is progressing, but hard work remains between now and Christmas to complete the necessary formalities. There remains the not inconsiderable task of raising some £300-350k by the beginning of 2025 to establish long-term financial future for the pool.
Climate emergency The council recognised the climate change emergency that could fundamentally affect businesses and residents in Rye. While Rother has an active programme in place, recently presented at the Rye Sustainable Living Forum, the council have so far not raised this as a priority. A committee is now planned, under the leadership of Deputy Mayor Chris Hoggart.
Mayoral Generosity Due to underspending Andi Rivett proposed small donations to youth-based activities involving exchange visits and supporting children experiencing
deprivation in our community. The Town Crier Championship will also be supported in 2025.
Code of conduct Following January’s meeting when tempers flared over Rye’s allotments, there was a lengthy discussion dedicated to apologies and working together. After debating moving on from some of the contentious statements made earlier in the year, agreement was reached on reinforcing the established code of conduct.
Meetings & Memberships A new council schedule was agreed and representatives on various established committees and “task and finish” groups confirmed. Twenty minutes was also spent discussing membership of the Cinque Ports Federation, with no change occurring.
Planning the future The proposed route for the King Charles III coastal path was discussed with concerns over pedestrian safety at the junction of Rye Harbour Road and Winchelsea Road and Rock Channel. The route was considered to be a major benefit to Rye and the tourist industry and was fully supported. Input was also received from property developer Decimus in relation to the proposed construction of retirement flats on Winchelsea Road. The company’s argument is based on local need due to the ongoing change in age profile in the Rye area. Some scepticism was voiced but the council decided to await the planning application which is believed to be imminent. Access to the site remains a critical issue.
Rye Town Council will publish full minutes of the meeting at some point in the future.
The timetable for the rest of 2024’s full meetings of the council will also be listed on the council’s website eventually.
