Anger at ‘lowlife’ thieves who stole from village art gallery, the ‘Loo-uvre’.

Villagers shocked after three paintings stolen from toilet block gallery

“Lowlife” thieves have plundered three paintings from the wall of a public toilet in Angus which has been transformed into an art gallery.

The paintings were stolen from the gents toilet in East Haven on Wednesday and villager Wendy Murray said it was hard to believe someone would stoop so low.

The local community in East Haven took ownership of the 1970s toilets in 2015 after they were declared surplus to requirements by Angus Council.

The three paintings were of tulips in a gold frame, Loch Stack in a silver frame and thistles on canvas.

The toilets were transformed into an art gallery by locals after volunteers modernised and decorated the building.

The toilets are run by local charity East Haven Together and have become affectionately known as the Loo-uvre.

Wendy Murray from East Haven Together said: “This is the first time that we have had any stolen and it’s hard to believe that somebody would stoop so low as to deliberately steal them.

“All the work we do in the toilets is for the sole benefit of visitors and people using National Cycle Route 1.

“The art works are all painted by members of the gardening group to improve the environment and visitor experience. We have been overwhelmed with support and positive messages from the public since news of the theft was posted on our Facebook page.

“The toilet artists have vowed not to let the actions of one individual spoil the experience for others and will be getting their brushes out again to produce more work for next season.”

East Haven Together was established as a charity in July 2015, replacing East Haven Residents’ Association as the local community body.

The aims of the group centre on developing and maintaining a sustainable community through protecting and promoting the heritage and natural environment of East Haven.

Carnoustie Independent councillor Brian Boyd said: “That some lowlife could do this to a community that has done so much hard work to brighten up their village beggars belief.”

Angus Council’s head of economic development Alison Smith described the theft as “shameful”.

Wendy Murray, Gail Gilbert, Marjorie Smart and Irene Donaldson are going to get painting to replace the Loo-uvre’s stolen artwork.

Pictures: Gareth Jennings. Wendy Murray shows where the stolen paintings used to hang in the toilet gallery.