Residents have reacted angrily to news improvements to toilets are costing more than £105,000.

At the council meeting last Thursday, councillors voted to re-open the Chapel Street toilets, in Halstead, and undertake the work required to do so.

They will spend £105,233 on a complete refurbishment inside, a disabled toilet, a separate baby changing area, a new access ramp and repairs and strengthening work to the front of the building.

A one bed flat in Trinity Street with a bathroom is currently on the market for £95,000.

The work will be undertaken by Horizon Construction, who submitted the lowest bid, and overseen by Duncan Clark and Beckett of Colchester.

The toilets were closed in 2005 to save money, but were put back on the agenda last year after requests from residents.

An additional £4,000 was spent on surveying the toilets in August.

However, residents have slammed the council for spending so much on the work.

Claire Martin, of Halstead, said: “The cost simply outweighs the benefits when you consider the problems this town has."