A toilet block at a well-frequented tourist spot has provoked growing fury and frustration from residents and holidaymakers.

The facilities at Rye Station Car Park, positioned opposite the train station, have drawn heavy criticism, with members of the public calling them filthy, run-down, and inappropriate for public use.

Persistent problems include broken fixtures, flooding, and intentional destruction, while further reports have brought attention to continual damage to toilet roll holders and benches.

Among the most commonly cited frustrations is the need for users to collect paper from the floor rather than using wall-mounted dispensers.

On social platforms, Emily Harbour asked who should be held responsible for what she termed a disgraceful state of affairs concerning toilet paper access.

Other visitors described water pouring from toilet bowls. Caroline Hatter spoke about entering the establishment, pressing the flush button, and watching liquid flow from underneath the toilet.

Deliberate vandalism seems to be an ongoing issue, with numerous accounts of broken dispensers and seating areas.

The state of the amenities has caused concern among both local residents and those travelling to the area. Jeff Adams voiced worries about the message sent to visitors. Lara Rose described having to take her young grandchild inside and discovering the surroundings extremely unpleasant.

Suggested solutions have involved installing tamper-proof security devices and encouraging increased community participation. Andy Robinson pushed for putting a vandalism-proof camera at the entrance to identify culprits, along with regular visits from a community enforcement officer. He mentioned this is not a fitting greeting for guests arriving in Rye and stated that comparable conditions overseas would lead him to choose different destinations.

Louise Oram described the situation as bad publicity for the tourism industry.

Local resident Susan Barnes Warren admitted she could not understand why keeping clean and adequate facilities proved so challenging in Rye.

Stephen Karl made a stark comparison, comparing the scene to the prison shown in the film Midnight Express, which depicts imprisonment in Russia.

On the same online discussion, local councillor Andrew Mier expressed astonishment and promised to raise the issue.

Former councillor John Braford also posted observations about the facility on social media, noting what he described as fundamentally poor design and clear neglect for a crucial location in Rye.

Rother District Council, which manages the conveniences, has been approached for comment.