Council expresses anger and dissapointment after public toilet blocks in Leamington and Warwick are temporarily closed due to misuse

The council has now issued a public statement reminding people of the importance of the facilities across the district after the blocks at Victoria Park and St Nicholas Park were closed to allow blockages to be cleared and a specialised clean to take place.

The authority's portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, Cllr Moira-Ann Grainger, said: "Further to our posts on Social Media concerning the public toilets in Warwick, the Council wants to reiterate how angry and disappointed we are about the behaviour of individuals who choose to deliberately abuse these facilities.

"During the current lockdown with cafes, restaurants and pubs closed our public toilets provide a vital service for our community in our parks and town centres.

"The toilets are only closed as a last resort when we cannot guarantee the safety of the public.

"During these COVID times the public toilets are getting routine deeper cleans using COVID compliant cleaning chemicals.

"Over the last week or so misuse has increased and as a result we have had to temporarily close two toilet blocks to allow blockages to be cleared and a specialised clean to take place.

"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and respect to the Council’s contractors and cleaners who have had to deal with this misuse and anti-social behaviour.

"These actions have made the difficult job of keeping our facilities safe and clean for the public increasingly challenging and risky.

"At this point I would also like to commend the work of our homeless services team and partners P3 who are continuing their outreach work throughout the lock-down to ensure that accommodation is provided for anyone found sleeping rough who may be using the public toilets for refuge."