Vandals continue to target Abingdon toilets

Vandals have again caused significant damage to public toilets in Abingdon, the latest in a series of attacks on facilities in the town.

Last week, the toilets at the Charter Car Park were attacked on two separate occasions with doors kicked in, tiles smashed and fixtures and fittings damaged.

The toilets at the Charter are now shut until the damage can be fully repaired, and it could be months before the facility can be reopened.

This means residents and visitors wishing to spend a penny will have to use alternative public lavatories at Hales Meadow or Abbey Meadows. A toilet for disabled users, run by Abingdon Town Council, is also available under the archway by Abbey Cinema, with access via a RADAR Key.

This year, Vale of White Horse District Council has already been forced to foot the bill for costly repairs following similar acts of destruction on facilities in Abingdon in April, as well as for repairs to the public toilets in Grove which have also been targeted by vandals. The council will now have to use more public funds to repair the Charter toilets.

Cllr Andy Crawford, Cabinet Member for Finance at Vale of White Horse District Council said: “Public toilets are really important facilities for many visitors to our towns. It’s extremely frustrating that a few mindless individuals are continuing to cause damage which has meant we have had to temporally shut the toilets in the centre of Abingdon.

“To make matters worse, this damage will again cost the taxpayer to repair. This is money that could have been used to help pay for vital services or to support vulnerable people in our communities.”

The vandalism incidents have been reported to Thames Valley Police. If you see someone damaging public facilities, or know who is responsible, please contact the police on 101.