THE public toilets at the Horsefair Shopping Centre, Wisbech, have been closed due to an increase in anti-social behaviour - and will re-open with a pay-on-entry system.

A spokesman for NewRiver Retail, owner of the centre, described the increase in anti-social behaviour as “substantial” and said the move was to protect shoppers and their families.

The disabled toilets will remain open to disabled users with a radar key.

The spokesman said: “It is really disappointing that we have reached a point where we have no choice but to close the toilets for the time being.

“The toilets are inspected every hour and if an incident does occur they are closed, cleaned and then reopened quickly.

“However, the level of anti-social activities that are taking place in the times after they are checked is worrying.

“We have a responsibility to shoppers and other users of the toilets to ensure that they are safe at all times.

“The centre’s toilets will be reopened for events, when they will be regularly monitored. We are currently looking into implementing a pay-on-entry system which is a last resort but will help to deter any anti-social behaviour.”