Public toilet vandalism 'repulsive' says Douglas councillor

Council may have 'no option' but to permanently close facilities at night

Access to public toilets and lifts in Douglas has been restricted due to persistent vandalism and people attempting to start fires.

Douglas Council has highlighted issues in Noble’s Park, on the promenade and in Shaw’s Brow car park and says it may be left with ‘no option’ but to restrict access completely at night.

The issues at Noble's Park include damage to the basins and toilet roll holders, grafitti and vandals blocking the toilets.  

Falk Horning is the chair of the Environmental Services Committee.

He’s told Manx Radio the behaviour is ‘repulsive’ and those involved will have to foot the bill:

In relation to the damage caused to the Noble’s park facilities Mr Horning added: “The facilities are well-used but, at the same time, we cannot afford to keep on spending money if people do not respect them.

“The toilets belong to the community and need to be looked after and we would welcome any information leading to the identification of those responsible.

“For a number of years now, there has been a small charge to use certain toilets in the capital which allows them to be open 24 hours a day.

“Of course we would prefer to keep the toilets open at night but, if this anti-social behaviour continues, we may have no option.”

The council has also confirmed that the lifts at Shaw’s Brow have been suspended each evening and at weekends.

It says this is so the safety of car park users is prioritised and repair work can be carried out.