Toilet blocks vandalised in Colchester
A sink was ripped from a wall and a door kicked in
Three public toilet blocks in Castle Park, Colchester, are being repaired after being vandalised over the weekend.
A sink was ripped from the walls in the toilet block next to Hollytrees Museum, a hand drier was pulled off the wall in the men’s toilets next to the Café in the Park and a door was kicked in on the men’s toilets next to the Boating Lake.
All the toilet blocks have now reopened, but Colchester Borough Council has said it is working to get the final repairs completed "as quickly as possible".
Essex Police are carrying out extra patrols because of the vandalism, along with the council’s Neighbourhood team, park rangers and ID Verde staff.
Councillor Beverley Oxford, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, said:
"It’s a real concern to see what damage has been done by a small minority intent on vandalising rather than respecting the facilities in Castle Park.
"Why they do this is beyond me – especially given that so many people now realise how important our outside spaces are for wellbeing and mental health.
"The blame for the temporary closure of these toilets is not down to the council and our hardworking Ranger team, but the idiots that caused the damage.
"Time and resources will now have to be found to pay for the repair work.
"It should not be necessary, but while there are these thoughtless individuals about, intent on disrupting things for everyone else, the council and others will need to be there using council taxpayer’s money to pick up the pieces."