Public toilet closed over needles and broken glass
Ferryhill Town CouncilA town's public toilets have been closed on Saturdays after growing concerns about needles and broken glass being left there.
Ferryhill Town Council, in County Durham, said the decision to shut the facilities on North Street was temporary to "ensure public safety until we can get safety measures in place".
A council report detailed drug paraphernalia being found, as well glass bottles and needles in feminine hygiene bins leading to the company employed refusing to empty them.
The facility had previously been monitored by a member of council on Saturdays, but they said the ongoing misuse of the toilets left them "vulnerable". The toilets will remain open throughout the day, Monday to Friday.
The toilets were used regularly by taxi drivers and bus drivers who operated in the village, the council report said.
But "despite being used appropriately by some members of the public, staff cleaning the toilets have noted that a lot of drug paraphernalia is being found in the toilets and this is becoming a concern", it went on.
In a statement, the authority said it was working with police and neighbourhood wardens to mitigate the issues.
"As a result, you may see a more visible presence in this area," the council said.
"The Town Council's aim is to ensure their facilities are safe for everyone who uses them, however, staff are also paramount and their safety is key."
Residents suggested introducing a payment scheme to curb the number of incidents, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
