Local residents and visitors in the popular tourist destination of Old Orchard Beach are complaining that people are relieving themselves in public places because of a lack of public restrooms nearby, Portland television station WMTW reported.

“They have some bathroom facilities … but it’s a good, at least 15-20-minute, walk,” beach goer Kristen Lawrence told WMTW.





“They’re using the ocean. They’re using the dunes,” local resident and business owner Sherri Tripp told the station. “Just a few weeks ago in broad daylight we saw a gentleman come up behind this bush and do the No. 2, unfortunately. … I sit on my deck and we see at least 10 to 15 people a day, minimum, at that’s when I’m outside.”

Town officials told WMTW they’re aware of the problem and are considering steps to solve it.

[Update: Call police on public poopers, Old Orchard Beach town manager says]