Toilets in Knighton and Llandrindod Wells repeatedly vandalised

Toilets in two Powys towns, which were taken over by town councils from Powys County Council, have been repeatedly vandalised over the summer. In Llandrindod Wells, the toilets at Station Crescent have been attacked continuously with doors being kicked in, toilet roll holders and toilet rolls going missing. In one incident a man turned a CCTV camera around a urinated in the corner, another man walked down the street and emptied his pocket full of drugs syringes by the side of the toilet and a female kicked in the door to the ladies toilet after finding the men's door open. The repairs needed will cost the town's residents hundreds of pounds and some of the incidents have been reported to the police. Councillors were told about the incidents at a recent meeting. But they were told many people have thanked the town council for taking the toilets on and have said how they are now properly maintained, clean and tidy. Deputy Mayor Councillor Jon Williams said a door was kicked on the Friday before the Victorian Festival, it was repaired but it was smashed again soon afterwards. He said CCTV cameras were put in place at 4.30pm one day and by 7.30pm, the cameras in the gents toilets had been messed around with by youngsters. He said the company who was fixing the door locks, said they have only ever been to one other set of toilets in the United Kingdom where they have had more issues. Members are hoping the installation of CCTV cameras will help and councillors have been urged to check the toilets and report any problems immediately. Meanwhile, Knighton Town Council has also had lots issues since it took over three sets of toilets from the county council in August. They are looking into the cost of vandal proofing at least one of the toilets. The council was given £7,500 towards the maintenance and repair of toilets at Bowling Green Lane, behind the Knighton Hotel and at the Offa's Dyke Centre. But at a meeting recently, town clerk Neil King, said there had been a continuing problem with vandalism, with toilets being smashed and but he said the biggest problem was trying to find a plumber to come out. The Offa's Dyke Association, which had been running the toilets at the centre, recommended the town council close them at 5pm to prevent vandalism. Councillor David Andrews said the incidents should be reported to the police and the town council should make sure the police are doing their utmost to protect their facilities. He said if anyone is caught and prosecuted it would be a deterrent to others. Councillor Roy Williams asked if the police could put up a sign saying anyone causing vandalism will be prosecuted. He said thy have done it on the bridge which crosses England and Wales and there have been no problems since. Councillor Laura Higgins reminded everyone that the vandalism is costing the town money. She said they should also get some quotes for vandal proof toilets and Mr King said the town council could apply for a grant to cover 80 per cent of the cost. Members agreed to ask the police for signs, to obtain quotes for vandal proof toilets and to apply for a grant. Meanwhile, the Offa's Dyke Association wrote to the town council thanking them for taking on the toilets at the Offa's Dyke Centre. The town council is to reply to the organisation and ask if there is any chance of a concession on their rental of the room for their council meetings at the centre as a gesture for them taking on the toilets.