Work has started to demolish a block of public toilets which have been closed for more than two years.

The council loos near McDonald’s in Sheerness closed on March 31, 2009, as part of Tesco’s planned expansion.

Contractors started the work, which is being funded by the supermarket giant, at the beginning of the week and it should be completed in about a month.

Tesco’s plans for its Bridge Road store include extending the existing premises, redesigning the car park and improving links to the high street, which is where demolishing the toilet block comes into it.

The expansion could create 92 jobs.

A new public green space will be created where the toilets stood. This will be grassed and bollards will be put up to prevent vehicles from crossing it.

There are also plans to revamp the area around the war memorial by installing seating and putting a link in to the area.

The decision to close the toilets was met with concern by many residents, but Tesco signed up to a scheme called Community Toilets, where businesses let the public use their facilities.

There will also be toilets in the Gateway Centre, High Street, although Swale council said they would only be for Gateway users.

Cllr Steve Worrall and fellow councillor Angela Harrison have been working with Tesco on these plans.

Cllr Worrall said: “That particular area for a number of years had a fairly sleazy reputation, so I’m pleased to see it go.

“I have not heard of anyone that has said to me they have been caught short because the toilet is closed.

“I’ve been working on this with Tesco for some time so I’m pleased it’s concluded and I’m grateful to Tesco for the response we got from them.”