Toilets row erupts at town forum

Rother leader Cllr Graham Gubby levelled the accusation at Labour Party member Philipa Coughlan, after she spoke to the forum about Rother's proposals for public toilet provision in Sidley.

Cllr Gubby also told members not to "believe everything they read in the paper" in light of last week's Observer story on the Labour campaign against Conservative - led proposals for traders to take over responsibility for loos in the village.

He also revealed such changes, if agreed, would not be implemented "for another two years."

Cllr Gubby's attack on Mrs Coughlan created audible discontent among the forum.

The Labour Women's Party member addressed the meeting on a questionairre being handed out to Sidley traders on the toilet issue.

Current Rother proposals suggest shopkeepers may have to take over the running of toilets from Rother or the facilities will be closed.

Mrs Coughlan said: "So far no-one at Rother District Council has approached anyone in Sidley. I thought on behalf of the Labour Party we would ask them what they thought."

She went on to say almost none of them had heard about the plans and there was wide spread anger at the proposals.

Cllr Gubby said: "I think it's somewhat disappointing the forum is being hijacked for a crash and bash session.

"You have just heard a politically motivated message by the Labour Party. I have never done that. We have always tried to avoid party politics (at the Town Forum).

"There are 31 toilets in Rother costing you, the taxpayer, half-a-million pounds a year. At the moment they will stay open for another two years because the contract is for three years."

Cllr Gubby warned the council had a responsibility to plan for the future in due to Rother's difficult financial situation.

"We have to make choices. To open many toilets the money has to be found from somewhere.

"All we tried with the toilets was to go through a scrutiny process.

"If they (the traders) do not want to take on the toilets, the council may have to decide if they are going to be shut with perhaps fewer but better toilets.

"Letters (to traders) ARE being drawn up. Please let's be better informed about the true situation and don't believe everything you read in the paper."