Published on 30 May 2022
Repeated vandalism at the Smithfield toilets at Leek Bus Station has resulted in the Council having to close them for the foreseeable future.
Over the past few weeks, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has had to clean and repair the facilities on numerous occasions following anti-social behaviour incidents which have seen the amenities damaged or stolen and food and other litter left smeared on walls and floors.
The cost of replacing damaged toilet roll holders and the rolls of toilet paper, together with cleaning and repairing damage caused to doors and locks, is now running into thousands of pounds - a cost that the Council cannot sustain in the long term.
These latest significant expenses follow the recent £100,000 refurbishment of the toilets and a further £20,000 to repair damage caused by an arson attack on the ladies 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.
