THE public toilets at Bournemouth's travel interchange have closed for at least a month because of problems with drug-taking and vandalism.

The decision means that travellers arriving at the "gateway" to the resort will have to ask a member of staff at the travel and tourism information office, or a cleaner, for access to the loo.

A sign was put up to tell members of the public about the arrangements, but the Echo understands that too was vandalised.

Mike Francis, chairman of Bournemouth Tourism management board and principal of Westbourne Academy language school, said he agreed with the decision to close the toilets until further notice.

"They must be about the worst around.

"It's not a good advertisement for the town to have dirty, filthy toilets.

"Travellers can still go into the interchange and get access to the toilets.

"Our students use the interchange quite a lot. I would far sooner they see a decent, clean place than one that's vandalised."

Richard Barnes, passenger transport co-ordination officer at Bournemouth council, said: "We very much regret having to take this measure but the number of instances of misuse of the toilet facility and subsequent vandalism has recently escalated.

"In order to maintain the security and effective operation of the travel interchange for users and the council employees who work there, this step is necessary."

He added that Dorset Police had been told of the council's concerns and of the steps taken.

"This step will be reviewed should circumstances change," said Mr Barnes.

"The council apologises for the inconvenience this will cause but hopes users will understand this measure has been implemented with their safety in mind."