SOAP and toilet roll thefts have seen public toilets close in Redcar and Cleveland.

The council announced the measure on Tuesday evening due to “ongoing and repeated” thieving of soap dispensers and loo roll.

Authorities on Teesside stepped up measures yesterday to take the spread of covid-19 in line with government guidance on social distancing and new laws on preventing gatherings in public.

Laws enabling fines of £30 for people flouting restrictions on movement are due to be passed on Thursday (March 26).

Failure to pay these penalty notices could mean offenders are subject to criminal proceedings and a conviction.

The borough’s MPs criticised the thefts – and urged people to heed the government’s restrictions.

Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar, said: “It is sad that the council has been forced to take measures to close public toilets because of the selfish actions of a minority.

“We know that hygiene measures are vital to combating the spread of covid-19, meaning these changes are necessary to keep everyone safe.”

Simon Clarke, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, added: “It is disappointing that it has come to this, but given the current situation, the council was right to close these facilities.

“I would add that it is of the utmost importance, at this critical time, that people avoid going out in public as much as possible.

“Stay at home – except for the small number of reasons outlined by the Prime Minister on Monday.

“It really will save lives.”

New measures were unveiled in the borough yesterday in response to the pandemic.

This included stopping green waste collections, closing Dunsdale tip, pausing non-essential roadworks, restrictions on funerals and cremations, suspension of grass cutting, closing allotments and stopping Local Link buses.

Public parks will stay open so people can exercise once a day.

Other sites which have closed include: South Tees Business Centre, Redcar & Cleveland House, Belmont House, Target leaving care at Millbank Terrace, in Redcar, Westmorland Road community resource centre, Winkies Castle, Marske, Laing Close depot, The Palace Hub, Redcar, The car park leading to the basement of the Community Heart, in Redcar.

Cllr Steve Kay, cabinet member for health, housing and welfare said council staff were “working hard to prepare for all eventualities”.

He added: “There is now a need to focus our resources to ensure the people who need it most get our help and support.

“It is important that the council does all it can to keep our essential services operational and support the vulnerable in our communities while reducing the exposure of the virus to our residents and staff.

“Please stay at home and help to protect the elderly and vulnerable.”