Wigton Town Council had to close toilets after vandalism

Wigton Town Council said it had 'no option' but to close their public toilets at the Market Hall in the town last week following an incident of vandalism in which two teens were caught deliberately ripping off toilet paper dispensers and blocking the toilets so they overflowed.

In a statement on social media, the town authority said: "We caught two teenage girls vandalising the public toilets.

"They had deliberately ripped off the toilet paper dispensers in both women's toilets and put them in the toilets along with all the toilet paper.

"They then repeatedly flushed the toilets that were blocked so the water overflowed. If this wasn't enough, they then did the same with the sink, leaving the tap running.

"While the damages didn't cost more than £100 it did mean we have had to close the women's toilets until they have been cleaned up."

It is not the first time vandalism has occurred in the toilets, the authority said, with the town council saying most weekends they find the men's toilet door kicked open, 'to the point they now need a new door and lock'.

Mayor and chairman of Wigton Town Council, Sandra Hodson said: "It is disappointing that our public toilets have been subject to frequent vandalism as it has led to them being closed to the public for a period of time whilst they are cleaned and repaired.

"With many town and village toilets being closed up and down the country due to vandalism, Wigton Town Council have kept the public toilets open as local residents and visitors rely on these facilities.

"We ask those responsible to think about the impact their anti-social behaviour causes."

Cumbria Police are keen to hear from anyone with information regarding those responsible for the damage caused – or anyone else with information which might assist.

You can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit. You can also phone on 101. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.