I would like to introduce you to one of Rye’s little-known attractions: The Museum of Outdated Plumbing, or MOP as it should be affectionately known, even if it isn’t. I certainly don’t need to remark on the irony of this acronym to anyone who has visited. I have also heard it referred to as a public convenience, but I hesitate to use this phrase myself, as only one of the words applies.
The museum is situated just a few steps from Rye station, so I suppose it could be said to be convenient in that sense. Visitors who have made the often wise decision to avoid the on-train toilets, can hurry across the road to use the museum facilities and very relieved they must be to see them.
On entry, the discerning visitor will waste no time identifying the first exhibit: a large puddle just inside the door is a good example of an unfixed leak. Then they can join their ashen-faced and wrinkled-nosed fellow users as they process around the central wash-basins, gingerly pushing on the doors with two fingers and peeking inside before, in many cases, recoiling in horror.
The exhibition is cleverly interactive at this point. Visitors have to identify a cubicle that has a locking mechanism on the door, a functioning flush, an unblocked bowl with a seat as well as toilet paper in its dispenser rather than on the floor. Having failed in that respect on my last visit, I think the curators might have gone a little too far.
Adding to the general atmosphere, you will also find an overflowing bin and non-functioning taps but I was disappointed by the relative lack of graffiti, which appeared to have been painted over quite recently.
I hope visitors to Rye are aware of the historical value of this exhibit and do not mistake it for a normal public toilet. That would provide a terrible impression of our town and how we care for it.
Editor’s note: This article refers to the Ladies toilets on Station Approach. The problems highlighted – broken locks, missing seats, full rubbish bins, water leaks etc – were seen between 20-27 January. The Gents toilets were refurbished last year by Rother District Council after many years neglect and vandalism.
Image Credits: James Stewart , Julie McLaren .
Fab review Julie. I do hope there are more to come!
Well, I did try to put together a solution and so did the COC but no one is interested. Didn’t take long though to raise £30k for the lights though, which the town could have done without. The RTC had a duty of care towards the people of the town and its visitors which it ignores. Instead of the business locals spending money on BID which I’m also sure they could do without, maybe spend their time and money on an essential that speaks volumes for neglect.
I also tried to put together a group (CLT) to provide affordable housing for Rye, when it became a possibility everyone jumped ship. I’m afraid it’s all just about the money and a quick return, no long term plan or real care about the community and the future.
Sad really.
You forgot to mention it also has a roof garden, in its guttering that is!.
I reported the missing and broken door locks (up to 50% of the cubicles are affected) back in November and chased this up at the end of December. I try not to visit these toilets if at all possible but at my last visit, perhaps a couple of weeks ago, nothing had been done.
This is really sad. Where is Rye’s civic pride (or collective anger?)
As a Rother councillor and a frequent visitor to Rye I’m puzzled by this report as the lavatories have only recently been extensively renovated to correct the exact faults reported in the article. At a recent meeting with Helena Dollimore MP and the police I was assured that a police presence had much improved the vandalism issue. I’ll look for myself, but it’s important faults are reported via Rother’s website so something can be done. Go to https://www.rother.gov.uk/environmental-health/neighbourhood-problems/
As far as I can see the “renovations” consisted of a new coat of paint and, maybe, some new lights. This does not constitute “extensive” renovations. I think that the gents did have some more work done but the ladies’ facilities still await more upgrading.
The gents definitely had the doors and doorlocks repaired and the flooring renewed.
The photo of the floor was taken before the recent refurbishment wasn’t it ?
I never leave comments but Julie is spot on with this.You could not have described it better, i try not to use them agree just the walls are painted.
What a sorry state it looks in for visitors.
I have just visited the lavatories and so far as the gents is concerned the allegations are unfounded. There are steel doors with robust hinges and locks and the lavatories flush. The flooring is new.
I didn’t go right into the ladies, but spoke to a lady who had. She said one door lock was broken, but had no other complaints.
There is grass growing in the gutter and that requires attention.
The article is grossly unfair.
Whilst I am very pleased that the men have new doors and flooring I can assure Cllr Mier that us ladies have neither. The broken toilet roll dispensers have not been replaced after the vandalism and so there is frequently toilet paper strewn around as it is no longer contained.
Councillor Mier – these toilets have been a disgusting and foul smelling scandal for the past twenty years and more. Robust complaints and appeals have resulted in some temporary repairs and adjustments being made but there is something intrinsically wrong in the structure of this facility. You may not encounter it at this time of year, but basically as soon as it warms up – they stink. No amount of replacing door locks or flooring has ever helped; I doubt if clearing out the gutters will either. I don’t dispute that RDC have carried out the apparently necessary physical checks and upgrades but I can guarantee that come Easter, Rye Town Hall staff will be besieged with complaints from visitors who will have had a very different experience from the one you have described. We will keep you advised.
Thank you Julie. Perfect view for the women’s toilet at the station. I pop in to see if anything has been done after my complaints to the Rye Town Council asking to lobby Rother for better.
Why overhaul the men’s loo but not the women’s, yet again, don’ t we count?
The disabled toilet can’t be used because toilet is too far from the door to keep it shut with one foot
Anyway. Just entering them is depressing.
Someone mentioned the lights being paid for by community. Not the same. A one off.
The toilets need continuous looking after by Rother District Council and Southern Trains
People are should not be surprised about the condition of the public conveniences in Rye. Rother District Council have always taken the P when it comes to doing the job properly.
I 100% agree with this article and Julie’s wonderfully written description of these toilets. I have not been in the mens so cannot comment, however, as an outside worker, I am unfortunately faced with having to use the ladies from time to time, this is not a decision I make lightly. Last week, I reluctantly used the ladies toilets and ended up just going in one, and trying my best to hold the door with my foot after looking in at least 5 cubicles that either had no lock, no toilet paper or both.
I have lived in Rye all my life and am actually embarrased that often visitors off the train or who have parked in the car park, walk into these horrible toilets and it can often be the first impression of Rye they make.
Has a pay to use the loo option been looked at? I would be more than happy to pay if I could use a clean smelling and looking toilet, that has a lock and more than one tap working.