2 weeks Ago
The landlady of a pub overrun with people using its facilities says the closure of public toilets is “a massive issue”. When The Argus visited The Bat and Ball in Ditchling Road in Brighton on Friday it was a hubbub of activity – with regulars enjoying a crisp pint over a chinwag. Manager Lucy Manville, 37, was busy pulling pints when a man walked in and asked to use the toilet, and she nodded.
“I don’t mind if people are nice and polite”, Lucy said. “It’s more the people who disrespect it.” Lucy Manville behind the bar at The Bat and Ball (Image: The Argus) In March 2022, Lucy contacted the council explaining the situation had become untenable since the public toilets at The Level had been shut.
In response, the council said the toilets had been closed due to “severe vandalism” which had “resulted in several serious health and safety concerns”. The council said they were “very sorry” to hear the impact the closure had on the pub but were “close to being in a position to reopen the toilets”. Three years on, however, the toilets are still closed, and The Bat and Ball continues to be inundated with people coming to use their facilities.
Lucy said: “The toilets have become a massive issue. Anyone who lives in Ditchling Road will know the drains are an issue, and the increase in usage causes problems so I’m having to regularly have a plumber come and sort it. The Bat and Ball in Ditchling Road with its striking blue façade (Image: The Argus) “We get threatened.
Last summer a woman came and used the toilet and as she left, a needle dropped out of her pocket. Another time a man came and did a poo in the urinal and then a week later, one on the floor. “I appreciate it’s difficult for the council, but it shouldn’t be down to my staff to sort it.
During Pride, there is a huge queue to use our loos because the council don’t provide proper facilities. “People will be drinking and doing drugs in The Level and then they come into the pub to use the loos. I can keep an eye on how much my customers are drinking here but if someone comes in off the street, I don’t know how much they have been drinking.
Someone has fallen down the steps to the loos before. “The toilets are a massive issue. I’m at the end of my tether with it.
” Most people ignore the sign, and some don't even ask (Image: The Argus) Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sports and recreation, said: “I can absolutely appreciate the frustration here and, of course, in an ideal world there would be public toilets open for use at The Level. It is something we are working on. “We have had firm interest in the MacLaren Pavilion Café, with a number of viewings taking place recently.
“Should a suitable tenant be identified and the building let, the plan is for the café to operate new public toilets for The Level. “In the meantime, we would encourage anyone visiting The Level to always be respectful of nearby businesses.”.
