By Ross Lidbetter

ross.lidbetter@essnmedia.co.uk

Graffiti has been scrawled all over toilets in Upper Norwood – just as was predicted six months ago.

Upper Norwood councillor Pat Ryan revealed his fears last August that the loos, situated at the rear of the Phoenix Community Centre, in Westow Street, would attract problems.

And on Monday we photographed the pen marks daubed all over the mirrors, tiles and toilet door.

After a refurbishment that cost around £7,000, the toilets finally re-opened in December.

Cllr Ryan had wanted modern automatic superloos to replace the Westow Street toilets, which were originally closed in 2004 after being plagued by vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

"This is exactly what I predicted six months ago," he told the Advertiser this week.

"What a waste of money which could have been given to the (Upper Norwood) library.

"These toilets are not person-friendly, either. They are hidden away round the back of the Phoenix Centre and people don't feel very safe and secure (using them).

"I went in there on Monday and I looked in shock and horror at this. It's going to cost a lot more money going back time after time (to clear off graffiti)."

Phil Kenny, 57, who lives in nearby South Vale, Upper Norwood, thinks it should be down to the council to keep an eye on the toilets.

He said: "The toilets were opened to great aplomb, but everybody told them what would happen. Once a bit of graffiti appears then more will follow."

Shortly before opening the toilets, the council said it was simply meeting the demands of the public who have "bemoaned" the lack of public conveniences in Upper Norwood and Crystal Palace.

A spokesman for Croydon Council said: "It would appear that these toilets were vandalised with graffiti on Saturday night.

"The council's contractors, who clean the toilets daily, attempted to clean off the graffiti.

"However, not all of it could be removed and it was reported to their supervisor at the earliest opportunity.

"The rest is being removed this morning (Wednesday). The safer neighbourhood team has been made aware of the situation and will be keeping an eye on the area around the toilets."