AN EYESORE toilet block which was damaged beyond repair in a blaze will be demolished.

Officers at Southend Council have made the decision to bulldoze the public toilets, cut into Leigh Cliffs, which have been unused for years.

The decision also means that the viewing platform, created by the roof of the toilets, will also be dismantled.

It comes after the toilet block was left in a state of severe disrepair after a fire broke out in September last year.

Structural and civil engineers Davies Burton Sweetlove carried out an examination of the site the following month and determined that the area was a hazard to the public and should be demolished as soon as possible.

During their visit, the team also found syringes, cans and bottles scattered all over the floor.

In a report, a spokesman for company, said: “The ladies side of the toilets has been badly affected by fire, the vast majority of the ceiling joints have been burnt away along with the ceiling and other timber elements such as window and door frames.

“The front window has also melted due to the heat from the fire.

“It is noted that the building is in a very poor condition and has suffered significantly from neglect and exposure.

“It is considered that the building is beyond the point of economic repair.

“The building is a potential hazard to the public and we would therefore recommend that the structure is demolished as soon as possible.”

Carole Mulroney, chairman of Leigh Town Council, commended the officers’ decision to keep some of the structure’s stones - which had etchings on them dating back to before the First World War.

She said: “It’s excellent that the toilet block is being demolished.

“I am really pleased that the officers have recognised the heritage aspect of it and are making efforts to keep this humble piece of Leigh heritage.

“Nobody has been able to see these special stones because of foliage.”

A spokesman for Southend Council said: “The public toilets have not been in use for some time and the viewing platform created by the roof is currently unusable and unsafe due to vandalism and severe fire damage within the toilet block.

“A survey has concluded that the block is beyond economic repair and the proposal is to demolish the block, making the area safe and recreate a viewing platform at ground level incorporating seats for public use.”