FRINTON’S £500,000 toilet block is in the running for the national Loo of the Year Award.

Tendring Council’s state-of-the-art public convenience was given a five star score – the best rating possible – after an unannounced inspection by the British Toilet Association.

Now it will compete for the overall top prize in the attended toilets section.

Council representatives have been invited to the awards ceremony in Birmingham in December.

Michael Talbot, Tendring Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “This building was designed in a way that was both environmentally and user-friendly.

“They have access for the disabled and baby changing facilities which were not provided at the previous conveniences,” he said.

Mr Talbot added that the site introduced a number of green initiatives, such as recycled rain water to flush the loos, solar panels to heat the water and energy-saving hand driers.

DC&B Architects designed the building, which was constructed by Rose Builders.

The toilets, on the Esplanade at the end of Frinton’s Connaught Avenue, replaced a 70-year-old facility and were officially opened in January.

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