FEARS are growing that the toilet block at Baiter Park has become a “health hazard” since it was closed.

According to Mike Randall, chairman of the Parkstone Bay Association, they have become a “stinking cesspit” as a result of people urinating outside the building.

And he says the situation has been exacerbated after a group of travellers set up camp at the park last week.

It comes as the Echo launched a campaign last week calling for Borough of Poole to rethink its decision to close public toilets across the town.

Mr Randall, who lives in Catalina Drive, said: “The travellers have not been able to use the toilet facilities at the park as they are closed, but have made use of the surrounding environment, including the external features of the toilet block itself.

“As a result Baiter Park toilet block has become a stinking cesspit. I have personally witnessed travellers and visitors relieving themselves repeatedly throughout the day and night.

“The situation has deteriorated into a significant health and safety problem. There are discarded nappies around the toilet block, as well as evidence of excrement and urine.

“The smell emanates into residential dwellings not 20metres away. This farce cannot continue and it will only get worse as the weather warms up.

“There is even a sign on the toilet block offering plastic bags into which people can ‘relieve’ themselves.”

Mr Randall has also expressed his concern that a portable toilet has not been provided for the traveller encampment.

But Cllr Andy Garner-Watts, who represents the Poole Town ward at Borough of Poole, said the travellers were offered portable loos but turned them down.

He also said the closure of the toilets at Baiter Park has not had any impact on the travellers.

“We know from previous experience that travellers do not use the public toilet facilities which is why the council offers them portable toilets,” added Cllr Garner-Watts.

A BoP spokesman said the situation would now be monitored and the council may choose to install portable loos at the site regardless.

Cllr Garner-Watts also said that the public toilets at Dolphin Quays are less than a seven minute walk from the Baiter Park toilet block.

“Of course we would much prefer to keep the toilets open but to pay for refurbishments and the running costs is just too much,” he added.

Cllr Mark Howell, leader of the Poole People Party, has asked that the public toilets issue be discussed at tomorrow’s full council meeting under ‘urgent business’.

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