Fears Brighton and Hove seafront toilets will put off visitors

Brighton and Hove had its first taste of summer earlier this week as temperatures soared to March record-breaking level.

Crowds of sun-soaking beachgoers found themselves facing huge queues to use the toilets – with some using an alleyway as a quick alternative.

The number of visitors making a beeline for Brighton this summer could be "higher than ever before" due to restrictions on foreign travel, a report predicts.

But one councillor fears they might be put off by lengthy waits to use seafront toilets, which residents have branded “filthy” and “disgusting”.

The Argus visited the seafront toilets by Hove Lawns with Labour representative for Westbourne Ward, Chris Henry.

A queue had formed outside the women's toilets at about 1pm on an overcast Wednesday afternoon.

Cllr Henry: "We know that this year there is going to be a staycation boom so let's ensure visitors have an experience that makes them want to return.

“We know the seafront will be very busy so let's start planning now to get portaloos in key locations. It's simply not acceptable that from Hove Lagoon to West Pier there are only two tiny, out-of-date facilities.

The queue for the seafront toilet in Hove

"Brighton seafront has seen extra toilets provided so I'm calling for Hove to receive similar investment. If we don't get it right, we will have very unhappy residents, dirty streets, and tourists deciding that next year they will go to Bournemouth or Worthing instead.”

Pictures show crowds of beachgoers queuing along the promenade to use the toilets in Hove. Those trying to relieve themselves by the West Pier faced similar lines of people.

People who could not bring themselves to face the queues were reportedly using South Street as an alternative.

The alleyway between West Street and Middle Street had a “constant stream of people urinating”, according to those on the road.

Cllr Henry added: "The council have spent hours and hours of time, energy and money on a cycle lane at Old Shoreham Road which figures tell us is used by 300 cyclists a week.

“I expect 300 tourists to be needing public toilet figures an hour, so let's make sure we get our priorities right."

Brighton and Hove is a leading visitor destination which welcomes about 12 million visitors a year.

Brighton UK 30th March 2021 - Brighton beach is packed as visitors flock to the seaside on the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures reaching the mid 20s centigrade in parts of the South East : Credit Simon Dack / Alamy Live News.........

The visitor economy generates around £976m each year and supports more than 24,000 jobs directly, with many associated services also relying on this sector.

Owing to an international travel ban currently in place, a report outlining the city’s “Road Map out of lockdown” predicts this summer may be Brighton and Hove’s busiest ever.

Photographer Anna Tinner, 62, from Hove, believes it is not just the queues for the loos which will put visitors off – but the toilets themselves.

She said: “The toilets are filthy, they’re disgusting. To be honest, it’s an insult to call them toilets.

“It’s embarrassing that people are coming from out of town to visit Brighton and Hove and are met with toilets such as these.

“My advice to everyone is to go before you come to the beach.

“This is why you see so many people p*** behind the beach huts.”

Brighton UK 30th March 2021 - Brighton beach is packed as visitors flock to the seaside on the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures reaching the mid 20s centigrade in parts of the South East : Credit Simon Dack / Alamy Live News.........

From April 12, businesses including pubs, bars and cafes with outdoor seating will be able to welcome customers once more. This means more loos for beachgoers will be on offer.

Additionally, the council has set aside £50,000 to install temporary toilets at key locations around the city to cope with increased demand.

The authority’s “Road Map out of lockdown” states: “Businesses this year will be able to open their toilets from April 12 which will assist with customer demand.

“However, it is anticipated that all of our beaches will be busy throughout the summer again this year as many residents and visitors chose to staycation.

“Some of the outlying beaches which have traditionally had less footfall than the main central beaches have less provision as a result.

“Officers are therefore investigating the options of bringing in supplementary public toilet provision for the warmer summer months (end of May to early September) to cope with the expected demand.”

Following Cllr Henry's concerns, the council has announced that Hove will also be receiving portaloos.

When contacted: "Our strategy for public toilets in the city was agreed last week at a meeting of councillors from all political parties.

“This strategy will see us spend an extra £50,000 for portaloos for the seafront. Some of this money will be spent on new facilities for Hove seafront too.”