THE male toilets at the bus station in the centre of town have been reopened after vandalism and antisocial behaviour forced their temporary closure.

Last month the council decided to close the toilets after they were left in such a grotesque condition that they were unfit for use by the public.

The damage included defecation on the floor, faeces being spread on the walls and clothing being pushed in to the toilet bowls causing blockages and over-flowing.

Complaints were received from members of the public as well as the bus company.

During the closure, customers were re-directed to the public toilets in Wharf Green instead.

But a number of frequent bus station users contacted the Adver to say that this was not a suitable measure and that for those who are elderly, unwell, or who find walking difficult, the other end of the town centre was just too far away.

Gordon Staples, of Northern Road, said: “The brighter image for Swindon has been switched off at the bus station because people arriving there looking for a gents toilet and finding it closed will say - what a dump.”

Bill Williams, of Covingham, described the decision to close the toilets as “madness”.

He added: “The problem about getting to 70 and over in this dimension, if you are lucky enough, is that you are not as young as you used to be. natural functions can sometimes become more regular than anticipated in your youth.”

There were fears that the closure could go on for some time, with the council apologising but saying no immediate solution had presented itself.

But now it appears that one of the major culprits has been identified and dealt with.

A spokesman for Swindon Borough Council said: “An injunction was obtained against one of the main perpetrators of the anti-social behaviour and vandalism earlier this month.

“The individual concerned, who has been prohibited from entering the town centre for causing a range of anti-social issues, has so far conformed to the conditions of the injunction and appears to be making good progress.

“As a result, the bus station toilets were reopened to the public on Monday.

“We will of course continue to monitor the situation closely and will take the appropriate action against any individuals if the anti-social behaviour becomes an issue again.”