Vandalism sees Dingwall public toilets closed for 'foreseeable future'
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Dingwall public toilets have been closed – for at least the second time this year – with immediate effect after vandalism left them "unfit for use".
Highland Council revealed that the damage was severe and “the building was flooded and the site was left in a considerable mess.”
The facility will now remain shut “for the foreseeable future” and will not be reopened “as repairs cannot be made until we are satisfied that the daily threat of vandalism is reduced.”
They only reopened in July after they were targeted in June with repairs bills now soaring into the thousands of pounds.
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The local authority is appealing to anyone who has witnessed the vandals to report them to Police on 101 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Vandalism is 'criminal' and 'a total waste of taxpayers’ money'
Highland Council’s amenity services manager Debbie Sutton said: “Unfortunately due to vandalism we have had to close the Dingwall Public Conveniences with immediate effect.
“As a service we are so disappointed with the way in which this facility and other public toilets in the region are being treated.
"As has occurred at other sites where ongoing vandalism is an issue, we have instructed an immediate closure at Dingwall due to the site being currently unfit for use.
“The council will not be reopening these facilities for the foreseeable future as repairs cannot be made until we are satisfied that the daily threat of vandalism is reduced.”
More than 20 acts of vandalising toilets
As previously reported, there was a significant rise in vandalism and fire raising at public toilets across the Highland Council area in December 2021 with more than 20 incidents across the region – many at the same toilets.
Ms Sutton added the cost of repairs comes from the public purse so the public are left footing the bill when work has to be done: “The building was flooded and the site was left in a considerable mess.
“We ask people to be respectful of the facilities and report any concerns over misuse. Some facilities are locally run by the community, so the vandals are simply damaging the efforts of their own families, friends, and neighbours.
“Vandalism, while not only criminal, is a total waste of taxpayers’ money and diverts resources from council works and services. It’s vital that our public toilets are safeguarded and no more are lost.
“We urge anyone with information on vandalism in their local public toilets (including at Dingwall) to contact Police on 101 or to phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
