Rye's public toilets will stay open this winter in spite of uncertainty over plans to turn part of three of the buildings into coffee shops and a cycle hub. Rye Town Council made the commitment to set aside money to fund their upkeep until March next year, no matter what Rother District Council, who own and run the toilets, decides to do.
The plan to part convert the Strand, Gun Garden, and Lucknow Place toilets was announced last winter with the new leaseholders due to take responsibility for the buildings this autumn. The meeting at the town hall on Monday October 13 heard those plans may not now be in place until September 2026 leading to fears RDC may close them - as they did two years ago.
"There is nothing clear on how Rother's proposals are going to work," said Cllr Cheryl Creaser. "Like every local authority they are making a grab for all the cash they can, but keeping toilets in Rye is essential."
Rye Town Council also agreed to monitor the performance of the cleaning contractors after a question from the public. "The toilets at Rye Harbour are spotless but the station toilets are appalling," said Heidi Foster. The Rye Harbour toilets are run by Icklesham Parish Council.
Earlier in the meeting, East Sussex County Council leader Keith Glazier gave an emotional update on his visit to Peacehaven Mosque after the recent arson attack. Four people have been arrested.
"People were frightened and upset," he told Rye councillors. "If you could have been the terror on their faces - and I use that word deliberately - you would know something was very wrong. There is plenty of room for everyone in this country and everyone should be treated with respect. I was very moved."
The town hall meeting was the first for new councillor Dena Smith Ellis. She was welcomed to the council by Mayor Andy Stuart who also praised the team behind last weekend's National Town Criers contest. "It was a great show with a big turnout including the public who bellowed away when they had a go."
Monday's meeting also heard 400 people had already received their Covid jab at the relaunched Rye Vaccination Centre. Anthony Kimber explained the coming sessions on Saturdays were fully booked, though walk-ups were being accepted.
Later, during the meeting of the Planning and Townscape committee, Colonel Kimber explained the background behind the sale of the playing fields at Tilling Green. The committee agreed to a discussion at the full council on whether RTC should put a bid in for the land in the hope of using it for social housing. He confirmed a plan for social housing on near Rye Cricket Club was also being explored.
The meeting also heard proposals were coming forward to repair the clock on the Landgate.
