Hastings Borough Council agreed this week to spend a penny or two on the much-needed toilets after the Observer yet again highlighted the desperate issue.

The inconvenient absence of public WCs in the area was raised during the Hastings Half Marathon.

The Marina Gardens toilets were closed two years ago following serious vandalism, but never replaced.

Residents and visitors, particularly families using the busy beach during the summer, have complained about the lack of facilities.

At the end of March the council told the Observer temporary Portaloos were being set up and the Bowls Pavilion toilets could be used as well.

However, no Portaloo appeared and on Tuesday mum Alison Gower was at first turned away when her five-year-old son needed to use the Bowls toilets. Eventually she was told a special exception would be made for him.

Said Alison, of Marina: "I often take the children to play in the gardens after school as we live in a flat. We see a lot of children there, especially in the holidays. A lot of people use the beach nearby
as well.
"It's too far to walk to the nearest toilets at Marine Court. There should be toilets there. "

Council spokesman Kevin Boorman admitted this week: "There has been a misunderstanding over this.

"Portaloos were provided, but only for the Half Marathon. We had hoped that the Bowls Pavilion toilets could be used by members of the public, but unfortunately this facility was abused so we have had to withdraw their public use.

"However, we do want people to use the gardens and, indeed, the western end of the seafront. We have again reviewed the position, and I am pleased to advise that we now hope to get temporary Portaloos in place before the end of the month.

"We also still hope to provide permanent toilets in the longer term."