Worksop: Binge drinking, drug taking and sex forces closure of public toilets

The council said it has taken the decision to close the toilets on Gateford Road following ‘mindless behaviour of an inconsiderate minority.’

Coun leader Coun Simon Greaves said the local authority would not but its staff or the public at risk.

People working in neighbouring business have welcomed the closure, with one hailing it as a ‘blessing.’

Coun Greaves said: “The public toilets on Gateford Road will remained closed for the foreseeable future due to repeated incidences of vandalism, harassment and anti-social behaviour, including binge drinking, drug taking and sexual activity.”

“The council would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused, but we cannot and will not put the public or our staff who maintain and clean these facilities at risk.”

“It is extremely disappointing that the mindless behaviour of an inconsiderate minority have led to us taking this course of action.”

It is understood that an ambulance has been called to deal with unconscious people on several occasions.

Neighbourhood inspector Phil Davies said nearby businesses had called for action.

He said: “There has been a number of anti-social incident, fights and drug misuse in the locality prior to them being closed down.”

“We received calls from premises nearby asking for us to take action.”

A woman that worked nearby and did not wish to be named said the closure was a blessing for everyone that works near the toilets.

She said: “I was scared to lock up by myself because of the people that would hang around them and at the bus stop.”

“I took my six-year-old brother in the toilets one day and there were beer cas everywhere. That was the ladies so who knows what the mens were like.”

“It’s a blessing that they have been closed.”