By Rebecca Maer
Controversial changes to the way Eastbourne public toilets operate and the closure of two pools at the Sovereign Centre to save money were confirmed last night.
Senior ruling Liberal Democrat members of Eastbourne Borough Council’s Cabinet went ahead with the cutbacks. Four of the seven Cabinet members were present.
A furious outburst from one resident in the public gallery – who asked “Have you no shame?” – briefly halted the meeting.
A report by council chief executive Robert Cottrill stated that, despite efforts to find savings, “the council has reached the challenging position where changes and reductions to front-line services have become unavoidable”.
The Cabinet previously agreed spending cuts of £2.7 million for this year at a Cabinet meeting in September.
Mr Cottrill’s report to last night’s meeting said: “Despite including over £3m of savings in the 2024/2025 budget, additional savings of over £2.7m are needed in the current financial year and a further £3m of savings for the following financial year.”
Council leader Stephen Holt (Lib Dem) has stated repeatedly that the cost-of-living crisis and no-fault evictions were among factors leaving people in need of accommodation. The council is currently spending nearly £5 million a year on temporary accommodation.
In a statement issued in a press release half an hour after the meeting ended, he said: “I came into politics to protect the public services and the decisions we have made tonight have been incredibly challenging.
“I’d like to thank those residents, businesses and groups that have engaged with us as we have addressed the financial challenges due to years of underfunding from national government.”
What’s happening with the toilets?
The meeting was told by Mr Cottrill that three seafront toilets would remain open: at Holywell, the pier and the bandstand.
Negotiations were under way for “operators” for several other toilet blocks including Fisherman’s Green and Helen Garden. He said operators should be in place for Gildredge Park and Hyde Gardens toilets by the end of the year.
In addition, a community toilet scheme, under which businesses allow their facilities to be used by the public, could result in 19 more locations.
“I am confident the majority of the toilets will remain open,” he said.
The public consultation on proposed cuts attracted 2,190 responses. There was particular concern about the closure of the toilets near the pier, the bandstand and at Holywell.
The Eastbourne Hospitality Association said that, while it understood the need for savings, the “impact of the closure of public toilets on the town’s tourism cannot be overstated”.
It said that it was impractical for smaller businesses to open their facilities to the public due to suitability and the costs of cleaning.
The Friends of Eastbourne Seafront delivered a ‘Save Our Toilets’ petition with 4,942 signatures to the council. And a petition organised by businesses in Albert Parade to save the toilets in Green Street, Old Town, contained 1,517 signatures.
Gaynor Sedgwick, of Friends of Eastbourne Seafront, addressed councillors last night, saying that small businesses should not be required to take on the operation of toilet blocks.
Naz Chikh, who runs Nas Cafe at Fisherman’s Green, told councillors: “The disgraceful condition of the toilets [near her cafe] is not just vandalism but long-term neglect. The only solution is for the toilets to be maintained by the council – this is the very minimum we expect.”
Swimming pools to close
Plans to close the fun pool and training pool at the Sovereign Centre prompted a 5,000-signature petition.
But Mr Cottrill said that the 1972 building (below), with additions in the 1980s, cost £400,000 a year to operate. It would cost £3 million to replace ageing equipment which was not cost effective, given the age of the building.
Utility costs meant keeping all three pools was unaffordable. That meant the fun pool and the training pool will close for the time being.
The council is transferring centre operations to Wave Active next year. In the meantime, lessons and lane swimming will be in the six-lane gala pool.
Volunteers sought for parks
Mr Cottrill’s report recommended that the council focused on “core activities” and worked with community and volunteer groups to explore “opportunities to collaborate” on parks and open spaces maintenance.
It is unclear what the position is with existing contractor idVerde on maintaining open spaces and cemeteries. According to council contracts data here, this costs £70,000 a month (around £840,000 a year).
There have been complaints about bins going unemptied for several weeks, even though idVerde’s contract states they should be emptied three times a week in parks such as Gildredge.
Parking charges to rise
Other changes to increase revenue include raising parking charges and extending operating hours which are currently 8am – 6pm to 8am – 8pm. These are the first rises in charges in eight years.
College Road, Hyde Gardens and Wish Tower car parks are to operate until 10pm which “aligns with peak usage”, according to the chief executive’s report.
What do opposition Conservatives say?
Three shadow Cabinet members addressed the meeting as public speakers. Cllr David Small said: “There is a huge amount I could say on just how sorry the whole situation with our finances is and how much residents will suffer due the mistakes this council has made, which have led to the cuts I’m sure you will be passing this evening.
“I have been making all these points since I was first elected 18 months ago and many have been saying it for years.
“I could say them all again and I am sure, Cllr Holt, you will come back and say it is all the last government’s fault and nothing to do with the fact that this council has spent nearly £200 million on what have proven to be loss-making projects.”
Conservative group leader Robert Smart and shadow Cabinet colleague Kshama Shore voiced concerns about the management of contracts and how the budget was being balanced.
What does the council leader say about the £194 million debt?
Responding to comments on the council’s debt, Cllr Holt said: “My view — and I appreciate this isn’t shared — is that it was investment and regeneration for the town.
“When you have a situation where the finance of an authority is stretched and we’ve accepted always has been, then we have to borrow to make improvements to certain facilities and certain buildings — for example The Congress Theatre, for example the bandstand, for example the seafront lighting, for example our housing supply — because we do not have the day-to-day money to make those improvements.
“I understand the debt has increased, it is really important that we manage that and that we reduce that and that is part of our plans going forward.”
Why was the meeting interrupted?
Retired tube train driver Jon Whitmore was asked to leave the meeting after he shouted from the public seats. Cllr Holt’s microphone was muted during the outburst so those viewing online could not hear.
Mr Whitmore said to Cllr Holt: “How about resigning then – have you no shame? You will leave this town in a dreadful situation. You keep blaming the homeless – explain yourself, the woeful financial mismanagement and the state you have left this town in.”
Mr Whitmore was escorted out the room as some members of the public applauded.
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