Charges for Redcar toilets plagued by anti-social behaviour

Charges are being introduced for public toilets in a city center to deter drug users and anti-social behaviour.

The toilets in Moore Street in Redcar, Teesside, are located close to the promenade overlooking the beach and are particularly well used in the summer.

Following a rise in anti-social behavior and vandalism in recent years, Labour-run Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is installing barriers and a 30p entrance fee.

Conservative councilor Carolyn Curr said the move was “not ideal” but accepted the authority needed to do something to make the toilets safe.

The city has tried other methods to control the problem, including hiring a security guard during the summer months.

But the authority’s cabinet agreed this was not sustainable and a more permanent and cost-effective solution was needed.

Between £30,000 and £35,000 will be spent on the new barrier system, and with around 60,000 people estimated to use the toilets each year, it is expected to take two years for the authority to recoup the money.

Curr, the leader of the council’s Conservative group, said it was important the council made an effort “to stop this idiotic behaviour, which is difficult to understand”.

She said toilets are an “important and often undervalued public service”.

“When people come into the city – whether they are residents or tourists – it is important that they can use clean and safe facilities,” she added.

“The cost makes this a medium-term solution and we will ensure it is a worthwhile expenditure, that is the caveat.”

The municipality said that the barriers should be installed within eight weeks and that people can pay via a contactless payment system.

The accessible and changing toilet would remain free at the point of use, the council said, but would continue to require access with a radar key and access code.