Public toilets in the centre of Clacton are to get a £5,000 makeover.

Tendring District Council (TDC) - which runs more than 40 public conveniences - will need to close the site in Rosemary Road while the work is carried out next month.

The project will involve a facelift for both the inside and outside of the building.

Work will begin on Monday February 18, 2008 and is expected to take four to five days to complete.

Michael Talbot, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at TDC, said the site was last decorated about three years ago and was in need of attention.

"We will be redecorating both the Ladies' and Gents' toilets, jet washing the drains and removing graffiti and any other marks from the outside of the building," he said.

"Minor improvements - including the fitting of a large extractor fan to the Ladies' and louver-type windows in the walls of the Gents' to increase ventilation and airflow - will be carried out whilst the redecorating is in hand."

Cllr Talbot said the scheme was all part of the Council's regular maintenance programme for public conveniences.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause for shoppers and others in the town centre while the work is undertaken," he added. "However, they will have an improved facility in the long run."

The scheme has been scheduled to be carried out well before Easter, and at a time when the town centre is less busy.

The nearest alternative public toilets are under the multi-storey car park in High Street at the back of Somerfield's supermarket.