Five Councillors Resign Over £50,000 Saga to Save Meopham Public Toilets

The dispute began in April 2024 when the village toilets closed, sparking protests in January 2025. A ballot in June 2024 showed 94% support for reopening. The resignations included chair Cheryl Price and deputy chair Graham Green. Two by-elections cost £15,000, with 587 votes cast at about £25.55 each.

In July 2025, the new council voted to reopen, spending over £25,000 on refurbishments including new toilets, urinals, handwashing machines, electrics, pathways, and CCTV. Maintenance will cost around £20,000. New chair Johnathan McNamara said residents felt unheard initially. Local James Ferrin called the reopening brilliant, while Ruth Blake and Chris Rose praised the facilities as vital to the community.