CLOSURE-THREATENED public toilets in the Rochford district will remain open after all.

Five loos were facing the axe following budget cuts, but Rochford district councillors have had a change of heart and will now keep them open.

The decision affects toilet blocks in Hullbridge, Hockley, Great Wakering, Rayleigh and Rochford. If the closures had gone ahead, the only Rochford Council toilet remaining would have been in Hockley Woods.

Mike Steptoe, councillor responsible for the environment, said: “It’s is definitely not on the cards. We are now going to look at how we can maintain and bring them up to date.

“Through a good bit of budgeting, we have managed to find some savings in other areas.”

However, the reprieve may yet prove only to be partial, as they are still likely to close on Sundays and opening hours may also be reduced on other days.

There had been fears closing the toilets put off visitors, especially to the riverside area in Hullbridge.

Hullbridge councillor Michael Hoy said he would fight any attempt to reduce opening hours.

He added: “I’m pleased they have realised the closure was a bad option, but I do have some concerns about Hullbridge having the toilets closed on Sundays in the winter.

“I will be speaking to Mr Steptoe about it.”

In January last year, councillors cut the district’s £101,000 public toilets budget by 45 per cent.

In Rayleigh, the town council now runs the public toilets below its offices on King George’s Playing Field. Shoppers are also able use public toilets at the Mill Hall.

The district council’s aim in announcing the closures was to persuade parish councils or businesses to take over responsibility for their local public loos.