Council cuts loo opening times after vandalism

'Offensive' graffiti has been going on for 18 months

Vandals responsible for offensive graffiti in Exmouth have been slammed for their ‘senseless’ behaviour.

New damage, including profanities, is being discovered every day at a toilet block in Phear Park, by officers at East Devon District Council (EDDC).

It takes place particularly first thing in the morning and late afternoon - and police think the offenders could be children from nearby Exmouth Community College.

Now the council is cutting opening times of the loos, restricting them to 8.30am to 3pm until further notice.

The issue has been ongoing, on and off, for more than 18 months, with the issue intensifying in the last six months especially. This has racked up a bill of hundreds of pounds in repair costs.

Councillor Geoff Jung’s EDDC’s portfolio holder coast, country and environment, said: “This senseless vandalising of public property is costing the district council time and money to continually remove this graffiti and repair the damage which could be better spent on worthwhile projects elsewhere."

Inspector Antonia Weeks, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “We are working with the school to identify those responsible. If anyone has any further information about this matter please contact the police on 101 quoting ref 50240024031.”