1 February 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

WORK has now begun on the new public toilet block in the King Street car park, which should open this spring. The new toilets will replace the portacabin toilet block in the southeast corner of the town centre car park opposite the cinema.

Although functional and well-used, the portacabin was only ever envisaged as a temporary measure and councillors have always recognised the need for a permanent replacement.

The new building will have a pitched roof, exposed brickwork and plain tiling in a traditional style in keeping with an historic market town like East Grinstead. Traditional local materials will be used in its construction including bricks sourced from nearby West Hoathly.

In agreeing the design, councillors said the new building would enhance the character and appearance of its town centre location and significantly benefit both the local community and visitors to East Grinstead.

The new toilets will have distinct female and male areas, a separate wheelchair-accessible toilet and a baby-changing facility.

Mid Sussex District Council will fund its construction and East Grinstead Town Council will manage, maintain and clean the new public convenience.

“With the Olympic Games taking place just up the road in London this summer, and the prospect of the Bluebell Railway arriving in the town, we could soon be welcoming a significant influx of tourists,” said MSDC Councillor Pru Moore.

“East Grinstead is a charming market town steeped in history and attractive to visitors. If we want people to choose East Grinstead, and come back for further visits, then we must offer first-class facilities and the new public toilets will provide a welcome boost in this regard.”

East Grinstead Council leader Norman Webster also welcomed the news that work on the permanent toilet block is now underway.

“This is a project which MSDC and East Grinstead Town Council have worked on together, and I am delighted that this important facility for townspeople and tourists will be ready for use within a matter of months,” he said.