A KEY system has been installed at a public toilet which was being vandalised and used by rough sleepers.

The toilet near the entrance to Colchester Cemetery, off Mersea Road, has been the focus of anti-social behaviour and drug misuse.

Colchester Council has introduced the Radar key scheme, which allows visitors to the cemetery access.

Gerard Oxford, Colchester councillor responsible for customers, said: “Unfortunately the anti-social behaviour around this accessible toilet, which has included drug misuse and illegal acts, had become a risk to the safety of those using this facility at the cemetery.

“I feel it’s important we provide a place for visitors to the cemetery to go to the loo, which is why we have installed the Radar key entry system.”

Radar keys can be purchased through Colchester Visitor Information Centre and a variety of retailers online.

For information about the National Key Scheme, visit radar.org.uk.

Alternative toilets are also available at the crematorium, which are open on weekdays from 9am to 5pm and at weekends and Bank Holidays from 10am to 1pm.