There were questions about whether a new policy was being implemented to close in showers since Austinmer beach pavilion plans in 2017 showed all the showers would be segregated into cubicles with doors.

This was "for privacy", the council's media release said in 2018.

This week a call for consultation on the pavilion refurbishment again said the new showers would have doors.

But the latest design plans show council has stepped back from this position - the traditional open showers have been brought back from the dead.

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A council spokeswoman said its website had accidentally described showers "with" doors rather than "without" doors. This had been rectified.

"The updated plans for Austinmer Bathers Pavilion are on exhibition for comment and we're welcoming feedback until 9 December," council said.

"The plans include showers with new fixtures and fittings, and no doors."

A statement said maintenance was conducted daily, in line with other amenities, and the broken urinal, which had been "repeatedly" damaged by vandals, had been fixed.

"We appreciate the Austinmer facilities are showing their age, and [in] mid-2017 the pavilion was repainted inside and had new lights and benches installed.

"The building's age is also why we've developed plans, and are speaking with the community, on work to improve the bathers' pavilion next autumn."