MORE than a million pennies have been spent at a state-of-the-art toilet block in Frinton.

The controversial £500,000 facility, which opened a year ago, has been used by 77,500 people.

The Edwardian-looking block, on the Greensward at the bottom of Connaught Avenue, is the first attended, paid-for toilet in the district.

Users are charged 20p a time to use the facility, which has brought in £15,500 in the past 12 months.

Michael Talbot, Tendring Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said the facility was the first new toilet block to be built by the council since the end of the Second World War.

“I am absolutely delighted with the first year’s performance,” he said.

“Tendring Council is very proud that it has produced a facility that is environmentally friendly by reusing rain water and electric cells on the roof for the provision of some of the electricity.

“The toilet attendants complement the place.

“We have some very good employees who do an excellent job.”

Earlier this month the loos were awarded a five-star rating, but missed out on the coveted Loo of the Year award.

The amount of money spent on Frinton’s loos caused controversy in other less affluent areas of Tendring and the council also came in for criticism for paying £120 to enter the Loo of the Year awards.

Mr Talbot said the block replaced a 70-year-old structure which had been highlighted as being the most in need to be rebuilt following a survey of all toilets in the district in 1998.

Mr Talbot said he recognised the cost of the building, and features such as expensive energy-saving hand driers, but said the facility was environmentally friendly and would save money over its expected 60 or 70 year lifespan.