TOLLESBURY'S public toilets will reopen in the new year after undergoing a full makeover.
The facilities in Woodrolfe Road were closed at the start of last year when Maldon District Council decided it could not afford the £3,000-a-year running costs.
But after a tireless campaign by the village, Maldon council has gone back on its decision and will operate the much-needed toilets.
Angela Nixon, one of the residents who spearheaded the campaign to get the toilets reopened, said: "It is a victory for common sense.
"The council originally wanted the parish council to be responsible for the running and funding of the toilets and it's just not something we would have been able to do.
"So it's fantastic news the council will have responsibility for them."
The toilets were originally closed as a cost-cutting measure by the council, but after last year's BBC adaptation of Great Expectations was filmed in the village, hundreds of tourists have descended on the area.
Mrs Nixon added: "Tollesbury has become quite a popular tourist destination and the toilets were a much needed necessity.
"We're absolutely delighted the council changed their minds on the decision.
"It has been a bit embarrassing not having the toilets and there have been a number of instances of people doing their business in the fields next to it.
"People have even been bringing their own toilet roll with them."
"I'm not sure why the council changed their mind," added Mrs Nixon, who lives on Woodrolfe Road.
"But it's fantastic they did – it'll be great once they are all renovated and opened again."
