Temporary toilets are set to replace those which have closed on a seafront ahead of the busy summer season, a council has announced.

Thanet District Council has recently come under fire for closing the facilities on the beach by Margate Clock Tower.

But the authority today revealed plans to install temporary loos on the waterfront.

The toilets flooded after a serious leak damaged the ceiling and tiling and a large crack was found in the ladies' loos.

Water damage to the electrics has forced the council to close the toilets which led to public outcry from businesses and residents leading to a petition calling on TDC to reopen the public conveniences.

Trevor Kennett, head of operational services said: “We have commissioned a full structural and condition survey to understand the full extent of all of these issues and establish what works are needed to make the toilets safe again.
"Until they can be made safe they will temporarily remain closed to the public.

“While the facilities are in a prime location on Margate Main Sands and are well used by visitors to the town during the summer months, these aren’t the only toilets in Margate. The other sites remain open.

"Efforts are being made to secure temporary toilets to ensure that there are additional facilities in this area while the Clock Tower toilets are out of action."

Toilets at Viking Bay in Broadstairs are expected to open in time for the Easter bank holiday weekend following "essential repairs and maintenance works", a council statement said.

A protest is due to take place outside the council offices in Cecil Square on Thursday complaining about the closure of public toilets across Thanet.

Organisers say the "toilet-themed" protest will question councillors' decision to spend £3 million on new council offices "when our local services are falling apart".

The demonstration will see campaigners armed with potties, toilet seats and brushes outside the civic centre from 9.30am on April 25.

The council also announced today that seasonal opening of public toilets is now in force ahead of an expected busy summer.

TDC will manage the 27 facilities now open to the public.

The toilets at Buenos Ayres - next to the TS Eliot shelter - and on the Harbour Arm in Margate remain open.

An interactive map showing all of the toilets in Thanet can be found on the website.

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