Decision on Wisborough Green toilet closure deferred

The council were due to announce the closure at a cabinet meeting earlier this month, but after debate it was decided to defer the decision for six months to allow negotiations with the parish council.

John Connor, cabinet member for environment and community safety, had visited Wisborough Green incognito to look into the matter personally after several objections.

He said: “It would appear that the usage is low but from representations I have recently received it seems that our evidence base appears to have been flawed - through no fault of our officers.”

Before the meeting Wisborough Green Parish Council (WGPC) had expressed their disappointment at not being consulted by CDC.

Keith Charman, chairman of WGPC, said “We are disappointed that CDC did not advise us of this impending decision and has not consulted with the parish council to get a better understanding of the potential impact upon the community.

“When compared to a town centre, the usage would be low, but from our own observations and the comments we have received from visitors and village residents, we know how valuable these facilities are.

“It seems that a decision is being made without obtaining information from the community and with total disregard to the impact upon a rural economy.

“We hope that the information we have now provided to CDC will demonstrate the importance to our rural community and following his visit at the weekend, we hope that district councillor Connor now appreciates the impact that closure would have.”