Shoppers could soon be charged 20p to use public toilets in Halstead.

Refurbishing the toilets in Chapel Street has been suggested by Halstead’s Town Team as a way of improving the town centre.

It has now been revealed that reopening the toilets would cost nearly £80,000 and Halstead Town Council, which is likely to pay for the improvements, is considering funding the project by charging people to use the toilets.

The council voted to close the toilets in December 2005, as part of a cost-cutting operation to ensure council tax stayed low.

But it has been investigating options and seeking estimates for the project in recent months.