Vandals force closure of bus station toilets
Items stolen, food smeared and arson
PASSENGERS have been warned that a bus station’s toilets have been shut - due to ongoing anti-social behaviour.
Community leaders say the public loos in Leek have been damaged, items from them stolen, and even food smeared over the walls and floors.
Now Staffordshire Moorlands District Council says the ‘selfish actions’ of vandals has forced them to shut the toilets ‘for the foreseeable future.’ It comes after there was also an arson attack on the ladies toilets.
The local authority has said the cost of replacing damaged toilet roll holders, doors and locks is running into ‘thousands of pounds.’ The facilities had undergone a £100,000 refurbishment – but the council had to shell out £20,000 following the arson attack.
Following the decision to close the toilets, the council has released images of some of the damage along with litter stuffed into one of the toilets. Councillor James Aberley, cabinet member for customer services, said: “These facilities are provided for the benefit of everyone but the continued, mindless actions of a few have left us with no choice but to close these toilets.
“We’ve tolerated this, and cleaned up the mess, for several weeks now but the cost to taxpayers of putting right this anti-social behaviour, and repairing and replacing damaged and stolen items, cannot continue. It’s incredibly disappointing that the selfish actions of the minority have led to this and the council apologises for this closure to the vast majority of people who value, and look after,
public amenities such as this.” The accessible toilet at the bus station will still be available to people who have a Radar key and alternative public toilets are provided at Silk Street. Anyone with concerned over antisocial behaviour in the area should contact police on 101.