Work has started to build an £80,000 toilet block at a popular nature reserve in Pitsea.

Wat Tyler Country Park is used by about 15,000 schoolchildren each year for environmental studies.

However, lessons in the past have been cut short because there are no toilet facilities for students or teachers.

The purpose-built toilets - funded by the Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust - are due for completion by December.

Doug Denjafield, chairman of the trust and Cleanaway director, said: "This will mean more children from more schools will be able to go to the park for longer for their environmental studies.

"Not having toilets at the park was causing difficulties because lessons were being cut short.

"We hope the new block will enhance nature studies which are now on the national curriculum and we are delighted to support such an important project."

Nigel Smith, chairman of Basildon Council's leisure services committee, said: "This new facility at Wat Tyler is much needed.

"We are indebted to the trust for its generous funding to enable this to go ahead."

The new block should be available for school parties visiting the park from March next year.

Work also started this week on a trust funded education pond. The £4,150 addition will include two dipping platforms to allow young visitors a chance to safely examine specimens before releasing them.

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