DRUG users and vagrants are misusing public toilets in Winchester city centre after getting hold of special keys designed for the disabled.

Homeless people are sleeping in the loos in Jewry Street and in Middle Brook Street.

The disabled toilets are only accessible using a key that is only supposed to be sold to those with disabilities.

But John Hill, client services contracts officer, responsible for cleaning the conveniences said cleaners regularly discovered evidence that the building was being lived in.

Mr Hill said: "People are not only sleeping there but taking food and drink in. Occasionally we find needles.

"Some of these keys have fallen into the wrong hands and are being used by vagrants for shelter. It's disconcerting once someone takes up residence.

"I have spoken to the police about it. But there is not a lot we can do about it. The loos are checked and then they go back in the dark and squat there again."

"The Jewry Street toilets are near the Nightshelter and people hang around the library sitting on the steps. You often see the usual suspects hanging around in Jewry Street. It is a bit of a mecca with the pubs and off-licence."

But a solution is in sight. Mr Hill said the toilets in Jewry Street were set to be demolished when the new cultural centre is built.

The county council architects are aware of the issue and the new design should reduce the problem by not making them so comfortable to rough sleepers.