Church Stretton toilets could be closed after spate of vandalism

The toilets next to Russells Meadow have been targeted repeatedly over the last two weeks, with drains stuffed with toilet paper and taps left on to flood the cubicles.

In the latest incident over the weekend, the culprits took things one step further by squirting fake blood around the toilets.

As well as the toilets, the same group is believed to be behind criminal damage caused to the tennis courts in the town park, including smashing a bench and damaging court nets.

Police and the town council have urged parents to be aware of their children's whereabouts after school, the time of day when most incidents have been reported.

Town clerk Danny Chetwood said: "It is not only alarming for anyone who goes in, as they don't know if it is fake blood or real blood, but it stains terribly making it difficult to clean up.

"It has been happening almost on a daily basis either at our community sport pavilion or at the toilets.

"One of the things we need to consider is closing the toilets until the vandalism stops, because we cannot keep paying to have this cleared up all the time.

Youths

"The timing of the incidents is normally when the children are let out of school. We have spoken to the school and we would ask parents to be vigilant with their children."

Mr Chetwood particularly asked parents who know their children have recently had fake blood to check whether they still have it.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "It is believed to be a group of local youths who are responsible for the damage.

"If you have a child who is hanging around in this area after school and before the toilets are locked at 7pm, please ensure they are not responsible for this criminal damage.

"This unacceptable behaviour is resulting in repair bills of several hundred pounds on each occasion. It also means facilities are no longer available for everyone’s use whilst the repairs take place.

"Toilets are not a suitable playground for any age group."

Anyone with information on the vandalism is asked to contact police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org