Locked public toilets at the Avoca Dell Reserve led to disgusting scenes last Thursday with reports some of the hundreds of revellers began relieving themselves around the reserve and on private property.

Locals reported seeing drunken and abusive beha-viour, dogs fighting and lawless boat and jetski operators.

One man was arrested for urinating in public and disorderly behaviour after he allegedly relieved himself in a garden and threatened an Avoca Dell Caravan Park staff member when he was refused access to the park’s private toilets.

Two Avoca Dell residents and one interstate visitor - all of whom asked not to be named through fear of repercussions - said closure of the Murray Bridge council-owned public toilets had led to people urinating and defecating in full view of the public, while staff at the Avoca Dell Caravan Park were over-run with people attempting to use their facilities.

“It was the worst day of my life,” one resident said.

“Last Thursday was not Australia Day down here - it was a penis display party.”

Residents said they were threatened or abused when visitors to the area were refused access to their properties or toilets.

An interstate visitor said she was too frightened to walk on the reserve for fear of what she may come across.

But blame for the incidents was not directed solely at the Murray Bridge council for leaving toilets locked.

Residents and the visitor said behaviour at the reserve, particularly on Australia Day, had been getting worse for years.

“The toilets were closed but that does not excuse the behaviour,” one resident said.

“The disappointing thing is they’re locals and they’re animals.”

Murray Bridge council customer relations manager Mildy Raveane said the council would work to prevent a repeat of the Australia Day debacle.

“The toilets had a blockage earlier in the week that council attended to but a secondary pump broke down and that was not fixed in time for Australia Day,” he said.

“But, no excuses, the toilets were closed and they should have been open.”

Mr Raveane said council staff would now recommend management plans for all council reserves in an effort to prevent a repeat of the situation.

“These areas are important for the growth of Murray Bridge and the council is looking at forward planning and looking at possible ways to alleviate this happening again.”