UNISEX toilets close to a Shoebury beach are set to be abolished after backlash from residents and councillors. 

The George Street toilets, by East Beach, underwent a refurb around two years ago which including making the toilets unisex.

Nick Ward, councillor for the Shoebury ward, said when officers first made them aware around the refurb, the unisex elements was not put to councillors and has called for it to be reversed.

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He said this left him and many other “livid” when the work was completed.

Mr Ward said: “Officers made the decision to make them unisex about two years ago when they were refurbished.

“As ward councillors we welcomed the refurb but we knew nothing about them being converted to unisex, so were of course livid when they were unisex.

“We all now welcome the news it will be separated back to male and female. Everyone wanted this, residents, visitors, councillors, it just wasn’t right being unisex.

“I have a nine-year-old daughter and I wouldn’t let her go in there alone.

“It invited the wrong behaviour, it is not like seafront toilets - the toilets don’t open straight, they all queue inside.

“But this decision is what we wanted so I, alongside I am sure many residents, are pleased and happy they will be reverted back.”

It is hoped the works will be completed before Christmas, but part of the toilets will be maintained for public use throughout the works.

Residents also expressed their delight that the toilets were be reverted back.

Lorraine Camp, who is part of the committee at the East Beach Residents Association, said: “We were aware they were being upgraded but it was quite shocked to find out they hadn’t considered the safety of our children, vulnerable adults, or woman by making them unisex to be seen as being politically correct.

“As these toilets were within a block, it created an unsafe space for children and others, and unfortunately could have attracted people with harmful intentions.

“We are pleased that our resident association instigated for them to be reverted back and the toilets will be a safer place.”

In response on behalf of the council, Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment, culture and tourism, said: “The decision to revert the George Street toilets to a single sex facility comes from listening to feedback from our residents and members.

"I spoke to local residents as well as attended residents’ meetings as well and took on board what arose from the discussions.

"The Council welcomes feedback on the decisions that are made to make sure that our city reflects the views and needs of its residents.”