VANDALISM overnight (Sunday, March 14, today, Monday, March 15) at Newcombes Meadow toilet block has resulted in Crediton Town Council taking the decision to close the accessible toilet, only two weeks after it re-opened.

The vandalism comes further to last week’s announcement that the Town Council is looking into the renovation of the toilet block.

The council’s Assets and Amenities Chairman Councillor Joyce Harris said: “I am shocked and saddened that this has happened, given that the toilet has only been open for two weeks. Hopefully, the installation of the new CCTV will put a stop to this terrible behaviour.”

Crediton Town Council recently installed an electronic locking system on the door to make the opening of the toilet at set times easier, offering the ability to open and close the door remotely.

This, coupled with The Turning Tides CIC cleaning the toilets twice daily, had made it possible for the toilet to be opened on a regular basis.

The vandalism was centred on the external fob and internal emergency exit system, which will have to be replaced at the Town Council’s cost.

Town Clerk Rachel Avery said: “This act of vandalism has been reported to the Police, and we urge any antisocial behaviour at the toilet blocks, or anywhere in our community, to be reported to the Police by ringing 999 or 101 dependant on the circumstances.”

The new CCTV system will offer 24-hour surveillance at the toilet block once it is installed, and it is hoped that the toilets will be reopened soon.