Double blow for Sheringham

Sheringham let down again by broken Lib Dem promises over the future of the town's toilets

Local people have expressed dismay at the double blow from the Lib Dem controlled North Norfolk District Council.

At a busy public meeting last October, Councillor Brian Hannah pledged to keep the closed toilet block on the East Promenade weather proof to avoid deterioration whilst their future was decided. At the same meeting, Cllr Hannah agreed that the temporary toilets on the Prom were, "not fit for purpose".

But now the Lib Dem leader of the Council has indicated that the toilets will not be protected from deterioration and has also claimed that the temporary toilets are adequate.

"I am extremely disappointed by this news," said Sheringham Town Councillor and, Madeleine Ashcroft. "When I heard Councillor Hannah's assurances at the public meeting I thought we had made some progress."

The Chairman of the Sheringham Enhancement Group said, "I am very concerned that Councillor Brian Hannah and our MP both agreed that the toilets were not fit for purpose as they are too small and inaccessible, but now we are eight months on from the meeting and nothing has been done by the Council apart from minor repairs."

North Norfolk's Conservative Spokesman, Trevor Ivory, added his concern as he pledged to continue to support the town on this important issue. "At a time of economic difficulty, it is vital that we invest in Sheringham to make sure we attract visitors."

"The Council is currently thinking about spending more than £30,000 on more offices in Cromer but they cannot find the money to invest in Sheringham's toilets. Surely now is the time to be investing in our economy, not expanding their own bureaucracy?"

"I recognise that now is not the time to be spending too much money, but I am disappointed that the Council seems to be unwilling to at least keep the toilets sound until we can decide what should happen in the long-term. I am also disappointed that so many letters and emails to the Council about this issue go unanswered, but if they think local people will get bored and go away they are underestimating the determination of Sheringham's residents," Mr Ivory added.
Trevor Ivory, Parliamentary Spokesman for North Norfolk