TOILET cleaners were “subjected to abuse and intimidation” at public facilities in Christchurch. 

The abuse has been reportedly directed at cleaning contractors who maintain the facilities at Friars Cliff.

A post on the Friars Cliff Beach Hut Association Facebook page on July 15 said: “News from BCP Council - this will affect beach hut owners so please take note:

“Regrettably, we must inform you that our cleaning contractors who maintain the toilet facilities at Friars Cliff have recently been subjected to abuse and intimidation from members of the public.

“Therefore, in the interests of safety, it has been confirmed that these toilets will now be locked at 5pm each day for the foreseeable future.

It continued: “The contracts and facilities teams are currently exploring options to try and keep the facilities open later than 5pm, however there is no guarantee this will be possible.

“In the meantime, the nearest toilet facilities available after 5pm will be those at Avon Beach.

“Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. We hope you appreciate this action has not been taken lightly and is to protect our contractors from further abuse."

Giving an update, BCP Council said on July 18 the toilets at Friars Cliff would remain open until 8pm from today.