NEW ROMNEY NEWS

Traders fear that the closure of public toilets could deter people from
visiting New Romney.

They are working with Jason Martin of Marsh Forward to try to keep people visiting the town and using the shops. David Bourne, chairman of the Traders' Association, says he fears people will go to Sainsbury's store to do their shopping and use their toilets.

"The closure of all the toilets will discourage people from coming into the High Street," he said. "We took a step forward with the free car parking and now we are going backwards."

Former Mayor of New Romney Councillor Barbara Palmer said once they knew there were no public toilets, people were not going to come to Shepway. "This is an area dependent upon tourism, but this will not encourage trade."

UPDATE - Wednesday, 12 May 2004: A decision has now been made not to close the public toilets in New Romney.