VANDALS have forced the closure of public toilets in Whitehaven while repairs are carried out.

The facilities in the Market Hall were closed three times in 24 hours - and subsequent other times - but remain shut while the situation is assessed. 

The vandalism, which caused the first closure on Monday 16 May, included cigarette burns on the toilet seats and flooring, which cost the council £300 to clean and replace the damaged fixtures.

The same day the security alarm was activated and cost £50 for an engineer call out to deactivate it.

Drug paraphernalia was also found in the toilets, forcing the facility to be closed yet again whilst the area was cleaned, cleared and checked. 

Copeland Council said the closure caused inconvenience to residents and to tourists visiting the town.

Dave Banks, portfolio holder for customers and communities, said: “We are very concerned that a publicly requested facility for the residents and visitors of the town is being seriously misused and abused. When incidents like this happen we have no other option but to close the toilets temporarily for safety and repairs."

Mr Banks is urging anyone who has information on the damage caused or the drug abuse to contact Whitehaven Police on 101 or the council on 01946 598300.

The public toilets in Whitehaven are normally open during the council’s office hours.

Visit www.copeland.gov.uk for more information.