PUBLIC toilets in Barry have been closed after it was reported they were being used for drug dealing and use, and needles were found left on the floor.

The disabled toilets in the multi-storey car park in Court Road, Barry, and the ladies toilet in Barry Library have both been closed to the public following reports of “incidents of anti-social behaviour”.

A town resident reported concerns relating to the Court Road toilets on Friday, July 12, after seeing needles left on the floor.

The resident, who did not want to be identified, said: “It’s getting worse and worse in there.

“Almost daily there are needles left on the floor or stuff into a pipe cover down the side of the sink.

“Eventually someone is going to get stuck with something - yet no one seems to do anything to stop this. I’ve reported it to both the council and the police, but it’s getting worse and worse. “

Meanwhile, a notice has been placed on the door of the ladies toilets in Barry Library says: “These toilets have been closed due to inappropriate use. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.

“Public toilets are available a few yards from the main entrance.”

The Barry & District News last year reported how a disabled resident had been unable to use the toilets in the Vale council’s Civic Offices.

In a letter explaining why, the then cabinet member Cllr Geoff Cox said: “The toilets in the Civic Offices were for a period of time open to the public.

“However, they were left in a terrible state, such that they were not fit or safe enough to be used by the staff or public.It is because of this that they are now restricted to staff only.”

A Vale council spokesman said the toilets have been closed after “a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour were identified by cleaning staff at both locations”.

“It is hugely disappointing that public facilities are being abused in this way,” he said.

“The decision to close the toilets has not been taken lightly but the safety of residents and library users must be our primary concern.”

He added public toilets at King Square remain open from 9am until 5pm Monday to Saturday, and from 9am until 4.30pm on Sundays, and the library’s disabled toilets remain open during library opening hours.

“The council has reported this anti-social behaviour to South Wales Police and would urge anyone who witnesses any such behaviour anywhere in the Vale to do so via the 101 emergency services number,” he said.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: “South Wales Police welcomes information from the community which is invaluable in tackling the menace of drugs supply. Members of the public should be reassured that we are take their concerns seriously.

“While some of our responses will not be visible to the community police visibility is often increased to deter and disrupt this unlawful activity.”

Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Vale council has been consulting about proposals to begin charging to use public toilet facilities.