PUBLIC toilets which were closed as part of a bid to save £100,000 a year are to re-open after a successful takeover bid by a town council.

Frinton’s Old Way toilet block was among ten public WCs axed by Tendring Council last year.

But Frinton and Walton Town Council has completed a successful deal to re-open the facility.

The council will lease the loos from Tendring and take over the running costs.

Town mayor Iris Johnson said she was delighted the takeover bid had been completed.

“It is extremely important because the only other toilets are at the bottom of Connaught Avenue on the seafront,” she said.

“We were aware that a lot of people used the toilets in Old Way and we felt it was essential that we try to keep them so we are very pleased to take this on.

“Obviously people didn’t want them to close - they want the facility there.

“We have a lot of elderly people who walk into town and sometimes they can’t make it as far as the other toilets so it is an essential facility.”

Mrs Johnson said the town council hopes to get the loos up and running again “as soon as possible”.

Tendring Council finance boss Carlo Guglielmi confirmed the authority had agreed to lease the former toilets in Old Way to the town council.

He said: “Following a decision last year to dispose of the facility, in line with the council’s public convenience strategy, the site was marketed and six offers were received.

“The preferred bid was from Frinton and Walton Town Council, which is proposing to keep running the facility as a public toilet.

“This option allows Tendring Council to receive an annual income, while the operational running costs and maintenance of the site transfers to the town council.

“I would like to wish the town council the best of luck in this new venture.”

The takeover comes after Steven Walker, from Walton, launched a campaign to save the Old Way loos and public toilets in Mill Lane, Walton. More than 1,100 people signed a petition calling for them to be reopened.

READ MORE: 'GIVE US OUR LOOS BACK'