WHEN you've got to go, you should be able to in comfort, with nice wooden seats, bright surroundings and a unisex attendant.

At least that is the convenient thinking of Waltham Forest Technical Service Committee members, although they did get a bit bogged down in a discussion over proposals to build public conveniences in the car park behind Co-op Leo's in High Road, Leytonstone.

The building will include toilets for men and women, plus a baby changing and feeding area.

There is to be a locked interconnecting door between the ladies and the gents which can only be opened by an attendant.

But councillors, concerned about the gender of the attendant, were told that male attendants were usually more acceptable by female users than vice-versa.

Councillor Chris Dunn agreed, joking: "I often go into female toilets and have never had any trouble!"

This statement by Mr Dunn, shocked fellow committee members.

£30,000 costs

Councillor John Wylie said he was "aghast" at the revelation.

Mr Dunn was asked if he had gone into the closet and committee chairman Denise Liunberg said she thought the expression was "to come out of the closet".

Councillor John Williams said the estimated staffing cost of £30,000 a year for the attendants was too high and Councillor Jane Watts said if they were going to be paid that much she would consider applying for the job herself.

But council officers explained the attendants would work two shifts and the convenience would be open six days a week, plus Friday evening to coincide with late night shopping.

It was agreed recommendations to build the lavatories as soon as possible and to make sure they were clean, bright and comfortable.