KNUTSFORD public toilets have become a magnet for anti-social behaviour including alcohol offences and drug abuse, which police believe could be putting customers off using them.

On Saturday November 15, PCSO Lyndsey Whitehead issued a statement saying that nine yellow cards had been handed out to youngsters in the King Street toilets.

The teens had alcohol and tobacco confiscated and a drug search was carried out on the evening of November 14, although no more drugs were found following the search.

Sgt Andy Miller said: “We are aware that there is an issue with youths hanging around the toilets. We suspect that they are smoking cannabis in the toilets themselves and afterwards flushing away the evidence making it difficult for the police to catch them in possession of drugs.

“As a result of this we are patrolling at least two or three times a night in order to make youths move on, make sure that no drugs or alcohol offences are committed and make sure that they are not causing a nuisance to those who want to legitimately use the toilets.”

According to PCSO Whitehead’s report, the community officers have been patrolling ‘hotspots’ such as the moor despite finding it more difficult during the ‘pitch black’ nights.

She also reported vandalism resulting in damage to the toilets just a few weeks ago.

Toilet paper was found blocking the toilet and there was graffiti on the walls as well as empty bottles of alcohol left inside the cubicle.

According to Sgt Miller, the anti-social behaviour could be contributing to the low usage of the toilets which was reported in last week’s edition of the Knutsford Guardian.

“People will not use them because of the large group of youths gathered outside and the smell of cannabis.

“We are helping the council by making sure that the door is locked every time we go by.

“I think that it is worth considering closing the toilets from 6pm onwards at this time of year as most people using the town centre will be visiting restaurants and pubs which have toilets anyway.”

Parents of the youths have since received a letter alerting them that their children are causing anti-social behaviour and Knutsford Town Council has also been informed of the problems.

Adam Keppel-Garner, Knutsford town clerk, said: “"The Town Council is aware of the problems at the toilets and is working with the Police and our contractor, DANFO to seek to minimise these issues.

“Fortunately, due to robust agreement with our contractor, the vandalism that does occur is fixed at no additional cost to the public purse."