Police are monitoring homosexual importuning in a Chelmsford park.

A complaint about undesirable activities in and around the public toilets in Oaklands Park, near Chelmsford and Essex Museum, was made recently.

Mrs Janice Stratton Lee, of Great Baddow, was visiting the museum with her family and volunteered to look after their bicycles.

"During the time I was waiting outside the museum, I could see these men going in and out of the toilets.

"They were very up front. The police were called and some men were interviewed. There were a lot of people and children about. It was rather unsavoury.

"Museum staff said that they called the police regularly.

"No one else used the public toilets while I was outside the museum. I believe that most people would rather use the loo inside the museum because of what goes on at the park toilet block."

A Chelmsford Borough Council spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the problem, and the police visit the site regularly. They are monitoring it, and we shall be having a meeting to see if any further action may be possible.

'The toilets are shut when the park is closed, but they are necessary because of the high numbers of people who use of the park, tennis courts and play areas."

The council has introduced a successful closure policy with steel doors for Writtle Green car park toilets at night because of similar activities, said the spokeswoman.

Essex Police confirmed the council's statement.

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