THERE is to be a crackdown on gay sex in public toilets after it was revealed that the problem is rife.

Worcester City Council has divulged that there are at least three locations in the city and said it is to make it a priority to put a stop to the all-male sessions.

The news follows an article in this paper last week in which we reported on the growing number of men meeting in the Gheluvelt Park toilets in Barbourne.

But the local authority has revealed that this site is not the worst and has pinpointed the conveniences at the back of the Worcester Technology College and Cornmarket as needing urgent attention.

It is to refurbish the toilets in a way that would discourage sexual activity and has announced that landscaping will be cut back to stop people loitering in the areas affected.

A spokesman said: "This is an ongoing concern and we have spoken to the police about it. Gheluvelt Park is not actually the worst.

"We have been informed about the toilets in All Hallows and Cornmarket. There is a long term plan to refurbish the public toilets in Worcester and the council is now looking at ways to do this that will discourage people from meeting.

"The redesign will look at the way cubicles are placed, at the lighting, where the entrance is based, all with a view to discourage people from loitering. Another idea is to use special paint so people cannot write on the walls. We believe that men do this to arrange meets."

The council has also warned that if the problem persists, then it could be forced to close down its toilets. The spokesman added: "We do not have a statutory requirement to provide these services and of course closing them down would be the last resort."

A police spokesman said: "We have been working with a number of agencies over a considerable period of time, tackling a broad range of issues within these areas.

"A meeting is planned for next week at which these concerns will be on the agenda."