THE activities of homosexual men are putting a rural toilet block off limits to families - and council cleaners.

Redcar and Cleveland Council admitted this week that it had issued special guidance to cleaners who have been occasionally prevented from entering the conveniences, which have their own car park at Newton under Roseberry, near Guisborough.

Cleveland Police says the public lavatory has become a meeting den for gay and bi-sexual men who have made it a centre of 'lewd activities'.

Anyone found committing an act of gross indecency will be arrested and may face prosecution.

PC Ian Soloman of Cleveland Police said: "The problem has escalated to such an extent that on occasions cleaning staff cannot gain access to clean and close up the premises at night, due to the number of men 'using' them."

Warning leaflets are to be posted around the area warning men they face prosecution if their visit to the gents toilet at Newton under Roseberry is for sex.

Cleveland Police is to keep the toilet block under surveillance.

PC Soloman said: "The facilities are well used by hill walkers and families who come here to enjoy the countryside.

"The last thing we want to see is the toilets closed down altogether. That is why we are setting up this operation. We want to see an end to such activities."

A council spokesman said: "We are holding out for a speedy conclusion to this.

"There have been occasions when cleaning staff have had a problem going about their normal duties.

"Our advice to them is, if there are any problems to leave the premises. We know Cleveland Police have taken action over the misuse of these toilets before and have been successful with prosecutions."

He added: "It's always a worry when a public facility is misused in that way. We do hope the latest police exercise is successful.