Vandalism forces closure of toilets

PUBLIC toilets near Torquay seafront are being closed early because of repeated attacks by vandals.

The block of toilets is at Corbyn Head, on a prominent headland overlooking Torre Abbey Sands beach, near the Grand Hotel.

Torbay Council said: “Unfortunately, due to continued vandalism at Corbyn Head public toilets we have made the decision to close the toilets early for the winter.

“Boarding up will take place today.”

A sign on the door says ‘Temporarily closed due to vandalism’ but Torbay Council later tweeted that the toilets were being boarded up early for the winter.

The nearest toilets will now be next to bowling greens on Abbey Park.

Last year private contractor Healthmatic took over management of 16 public toilets in Torbay.

A £1 million investment programme was announced by the council at the same time.

Councillor Robert Excell, executive lead for community safety, said in June ahead of the start of the Brixham project: “Along with the works of installing a Changing Places facility in Paignton and the deep clean and installation of new doors at the toilets at Breakwater Beach, this is our next project.

“This investment of £125,000 is following our commitment to improving toilets across Torbay and will be announcing more projects soon.”

A £10,000 deep clean of public toilets across the area was due to take place before the start of the school summer holidays.