PUBLIC toilets have been closed following complaints about men using them for sexual liaisons.

Police received a series of complaints from members of the public about inappropriate behaviour at the toilet block in Captain Street, Horwich.

It has been closed for two weeks in an attempt to combat the problem.

The toilets are usually open from 8am and are cleaned and locked at 5.30pm but are unattended during the day.

PC Andy Vernon, community beat manager for Horwich, said: "This is something which has been going on for a long time but we have received a number of complaints recently about inappropriate behaviour at the toilets.

"It is putting genuine users off going to the toilets so we have worked with the council to close them temporarily and hope this will disperse the men.

"We are also looking at what can be done to the toilets to improve the facility and make people feel safe."

Allan Horsfall, Farnworth-based president of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality, said: "The people I feel sorry for are people who need to use the toilets. This will not be eradicated until they get rid of all public toilets.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "This is a response to information from the police regarding serious anti-social behaviour centred around the toilets and the council is working closely with the police to assess the situation and ensure the facilities stay safe for the public."