CAMPAIGNERS are hoping a petition signed by 500 supporters will save a former public toilet block from the axe.

Steven Walker, organiser of the We Want a Wee campaign, is “optimistic” the old fire station and closed public toilets in Mill Lane, Walton, will be brought back into use.

The campaign was recently informed by English Heritage the 19th Century building did not warrant listed status.

A petition, handed in to Tendring Council on Monday, demands action over the site.

Mr Walker said three interested parties are looking to bring the building back into use, but have been frustrated in their attempts by the council.

“They plan to focus on health and well-being for young people and those older residents recovering from injury or illness,” he said.

“However they are frustrated at the delay from the council in allowing them access to the buildings to assess refurbishment costs.”

He added: “Tendring Council has a legal duty to achieve value for money for taxpayers in terms of the property assets they look after on our behalf.

“I hope they will enable these lovely old buildings to be brought back into use for the benefit and well-being of local people, as well as provide an income for the council from a redundant asset.

“Entrepreneurs have shown an interest in using the empty buildings in an imaginative and creative way.”

Tendring Council closed the Mill Lane toilets due to their condition and the costs of maintenance earlier this year.

The decision was made as part of the public conveniences strategy which detailed plans to close ten public loos but reinvest the savings into improving some of the remaining 30.

A Tendring Council spokesman said: “Officers have been in touch with a representative of the interested parties and will be arranging access to the redundant buildings shortly.”