A VILLAGE toilet block will be temporarily closed following reports of illicit sexual behaviour taking place there.

Concerns had been raised about the practices being undertaken at the public convenience in Saxtead, near Framlingham.

The toilets, on the A1120 near the windmill on the north side of the road, have been “advertised” on certain websites as a place for illicit behaviour.

Suffolk Coastal District Council, which is responsible for the conveniences, has now decided to close the facility.

A spokesman for the council said: “Following these reported incidents, we will be closing the toilets next week for at least a temporary period and would ask anyone seeing any incidents at the toilets to report them either to us on 01394 444000 or to the local police on 101.

“It is obviously disappointing that we are having to remove a service for all the public just because a few individuals have been misusing the facilities.”

As spokeswoman for Suffolk police said they had not received any direct complaints from members of the public but were aware of a letter sent by an individual to the district council.

“As a matter of routine police patrols check areas, including these public toilets, to prevent crimes such as vandalism and these will continue,” she added.

George Cullingford, chairman of Saxtead Parish Council, said the toilets were originally built around 20 or so years ago to cope with the increased number of people who were visiting the then recently refurbished mill.

They also provide a facility for those needing to stop while travelling along the A1120.

Mr Cullingford said it would be a shame if the toilets closed permanently.

He said this was depriving the general public of a much needed convenience because of the actions of a small number of people.

“We as a council are very concerned about what has been suggested is going on there,” he said.

“It has been happening, on and off, for many years.

“I know a few people have suggested closing them but I don’t think that would be right.

“It should be the perpetrators who are taken to task – not the facility that is taken away.

“In any case I don’t know what good it will do.

“It will only start again when the toilets reopen. ”

Christopher Hudson, district councillor for Saxtead, said he was pleased Suffolk Coastal had taken action.

“I’m absolutely appalled that this sort of behaviour has been going on,” he said.