MINDLESS vandals and drug takers have forced a toilet block to close as they have made it their hang out spot.

Colchester Council said it had no choice but to temporarily close the toilets at Colchester Cemetery in Mersea Road.

The council said it is not sure when the toilets will be open again but put the closure down to vandals.

A council spokesman said: “Acting on reports of continuing antisocial behaviour, including drug-taking, we have taken the regrettable decision to temporarily close the toilets in Colchester Cemetery.

“We hope to reopen the facilities, once repairs and a deep-clean have been completed, but at this stage we cannot say when that will be.”

Ward councillor Dave Harris said the gang needed to be caught as soon as possible.

He said: “A lot of people rely on that facility and it’s a shame the minority have spoiled it for the majority.

“We need to work harder in getting the toilets open again, I’m not keen on them being closed for long.”

Councillor Lee Scordis (Lab), who has been tackling vandalism in the town, said it was sad to see a rise in this time of crime.