Illegal drug use forces temporary closure of public toilets
Published: Friday, 13 July, 2018
Illegal drug use has forced Stroud District Council to temporarily close public toilets in Stroud town centre.
The Bedford Street toilets were locked up today after cleaners reported finding used needles and drugs paraphernalia there on a regular basis.
"We are sorry that we are unable to provide this facility for shoppers and visitors in Stroud at this time,” said a council spokesman. “Unfortunately the toilets have become a magnet for drug users and there is now a risk to the safety of members of the public and our cleaning crew.
"This is not a decision that has been taken lightly, and it is not a cost cutting measure. We intend to have the facility back open as soon as possible."
Attempts to disrupt drug users’ behaviour by varying the opening times was tried but did not work, so the council has now closed the toilets and the situation will be monitored closely and reviewed.
The council will continue to work with partner agencies to find a solution to the problem and endeavour to reopen the facility as soon as possible.