New public toilets will be built if Redbridge Labour wins control of the council following the local elections later this month.

The Conservative - Liberal Democrat coalition in the borough slashed funding for the facilities after gaining control four years ago as part of an “emergency budget”.

This week Mark Santos, standing in Hainault ward, for Labour, announced toilets would be opened in Barkingside High Street to support shoppers and Valentines Park at Monday’s Barkingside 21 hustings.

Cllr Jas Athwal, the Labour leader, said: “The closure of public toilets by the current Tory-led administration has been deeply unpopular, particularly with pensioners and people with health problems who rely on these conveniences.”

Cllr Athwal added, if elected, Labour would maintain all existing facilities too.

However, Tory leader Cllr Keith Prince responded to Cllr Athwal’s promise by accusing Labour of making up policies as they go along.

“Are they making policies on the hoof? It was never put forward at the budget council.

“I am sure they have not put a cost on it either. It smacks of desperation to me.”