WINCHESTER City Council has had to repeatedly close the district’s newest block of toilets due to anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Residents have complained that the new toilet at River Park has been closed multiple times since they opened alongside the refurbished play area in the summer.

A spokesperson for Winchester City Council said: “We’re really disappointed that we have to close the toilets at River Park from time to time.

READ MORE: New River Park toilets closed due to ‘serious vandalism and misuse’

“We know how appreciated they are by visitors to River Park – but sadly, on occasion, due to anti-social behaviour or vandalism we need to close them to allow for cleaning and/or repair.  

“They do close ordinarily at 6pm, but if they are closed during the day this would only happen as a last resort to address vandalism or the need for additional cleaning. We want them to be open as much as possible for the convenience of visitors to the park.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Closed due to anti-social behaviour signs Closed due to anti-social behaviour signs (Image: Adele Bouchard)

In response, to residents saying “it’s such a shame” that they have to be closed so often, Cllr John Tippett-Cooper said: "Thankfully, the new River Park toilets are open again - they are so important given how many people use River Park's playground, skatepark, sports areas and green spaces. They have been really warmly welcomed by the community since they were installed. 

SEE ALSO: Major boost agreed by Winchester City Council to public toilets

“On a handful of occasions since they were opened, due to misuse of the facilities, they have had to be closed for repair and cleaning. However, over recent weeks, increased police patrols around River Park, regular cleaning and an anti-vandalism design has meant that we've been able to tackle most of the problems and will continue to do so. 

“Despite huge government cuts to local authority budgets, Winchester City Council has recently committed significant funding to improve Winchester's public toilets - only possible due to sound financial management of the city council the last few years." 

The toilet pod at River Park includes three unisex toilets and baby changing and accessible facilities.

In September, the Cabinet announced an overhaul of around £580,000 to Winchester’s public toilets.

First to be refurbished will be Chesil multi-storey, Worthy Lane and the St Catherine's and South Winchester park and ride sites.