GAY men are meeting in a Cwmbran town centre public toilet for lunchtime sexual encounters, the Argus can reveal.

Now Cwmbran police have stepped up surveillance in the area to crack down on the problem.

The move follows complaints from other users who have witnessed acts taking place in the toilets, which are in the car park behind the Moonraker Pub.

Police are warning men who are using the toilets for such activities that they will be arrested. It follows the arrest of a 42-year-old local man last week for committing indecent acts in the toilets. He was later fined £150 by Newport magistrates.

Detective Inspector Mike Jones, of Cwmbran CID, said: "People have come to us and been very offended by the indecent activities that have taken place. These toilets are close to the town centre and a lot of young children and other vulnerable people use them during the day. I'm very concerned for young people using the toilets who could potentially become victims of offences."

The facilities are just yards away from children's creche Busy Bees, which looks after pre-school children during the day.

Gerald Sims, finance manager of the creche, said: "I'm shocked to hear that something like this is going on on our doorstep. We make sure that the children are picked up safely every day, and we haven't been aware of any problems with the toilets up until now." Mr Sims added that the creche would notify parents about the problem and advise them on safety issues.

Llantarnam councillor Barbara Ryan, whose ward includes the town centre, said: "I'm surprised to hear that such activities are going on, and for it to be happening so close to a children's creche is very concerning.

"The toilets themselves are in a disgraceful state compared to others in the town, and should really be refurbished. I'm glad the police are tackling the issue because their presence really is needed to alleviate the problem."

Police have now put up signs outside the toilets notifying users that they are being monitored by CCTV cameras.

DI Jones said: "We are warning people not to carry out these activities, and I will do everything in my power to stop further offences from taking place."