More patrols carried out as shock voiced over closure of public toilets
PEOPLE have voiced their anger at frustration after public toilets had to be closed after masks and hypodermic needles were discarded.
Erewash Borough Council announced the emergency closures in Long Eaton on Friday, August 20, and they were able to reopen after a deep clean on Tuesday, August 24.
The authority says it will be cracking down on an issue that has left residents feeling shocked and frustrated.
Linda Henegan, 71, who has lived in Long Eaton for four years, said: “It’s a bit shocking that they had to do that, I presume that they were in a real mess. It’s just sad that people leave such a mess that they have to close the toilets.”
Dave Henegan, 76, said: “I’m really dependent on the toilets.”
Lia Ward of Mrs B’s Cafe, located on the high street in Long Eaton’s town centre said: “Well I don’t think the council have got much choice
but to close the toilets as you know it’s so bad of these people to be vandalising the toilets.
“I don’t see it as the council’s fault but on the other hand obviously there is no other way for the public to use the toilet. You’ve got the young children walking about with parents who need to use the toilet.
“It’s really bad, if they had
cameras watching the toilets they can figure out who is doing the vandalism.
“I don’t really know what the council can do but it’s not a good situation.”
Kerrie Bates, 37, a hospital manager from Long Eaton, said: “I think it’s good that they’ve opened them again because obviously kids,
old people, everyone that’s out and about in the town obviously need to use the facilities. But what’s not good is that they’re not being monitored enough, they need CCTV, more wardens.”
She believes more CCTV would deter people from discarding waste and illicit materials in the toilets.
Erewash Borough Council bosses say high visibility and covert patrols will be carried out by neighbourhood wardens in a bid to stop ‘serious anti-social behaviour issues’.
Councillor Garry Hickton, Erewash Borough Council’s lead member for environment, said: “We understand that people were disappointed that we had to close them for a few days and we share that view - the minority once again spoiling it for the majority.
“But I am proud of the work our council teams have put in over these four days and of the help and support of our partners.
“Anti-social behaviour and drug use in our public toilets is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Our Neighbourhood Wardens will work with the police but I would also urge the public to help us as well. If you see anything that should not be happening, please let the police know immediately. Let’s work together.”