CUSTOMERS at three train stations will have restricted access to toilets as Southern Rail attempts to stop anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Eastbourne, Shoreham and Worthing stations have had their facilities vandalised in recent months and it is now hoped the measure will put a stop to the problem.

Eastbourne and Worthing have suffered anti-social behaviour while Shoreham has been the victim of vandals.

The toilets will now be open from 5.30am to 9.30am on Mondays to Fridays and then locked at all other times.

The Association of British Commuters has condemned the move.

Co-founder Emily Yates said: “Southern need to staff their trains and platforms properly.

“If it was staffed correctly vandalism wouldn’t happen.

“We too are also very concerned about anti-social behaviour, particularly rising assaults on trains especially sexual assaults.”

Mrs Yates fears that this trend will only get worse, adding that it is no a surprise Southern is having to deal with these kinds of issues.

She said: “We will see more of this, more sexual assaults and we believe more elderly people are not travelling as they fear platforms and trains are not up to standard.

“The toilets are just another example of the same problem of understaffing due to Southern Rail’s policy.

“To make travel better they should focus on safety, security and accessibility.”

A spokesperson for Southern said: “Owing to persistent anti-social behaviour, mainly by drug users, in the toilets at Eastbourne and Worthing station, we took the decision in conjunction with British Transport Police to close them after each morning peak.

“Shoreham station has had a similar issue but it is due specifically to persistent vandalism at that station.

“Recently, following a full refurbishment programme made necessary by vandals, a new sink was pulled off the wall within two hours of the toilets reopening.”

Southern said if customers wish to use the toilets later in the day or at weekends they can contact a member of staff to arrange access.