Security options 'limited' for toilet set on fire
Redcar and Cleveland Borough CouncilA council said there were "limited options" when it came to installing additional security at a public toilet which was set on fire.
Cleveland Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze in the toilet at Locke Park in Redcar just after 16:15 BST on 13 July and said it thought the fire was deliberate.
Redcar and Cleveland Council, which operates the loos, said the toilets had been targeted by vandals before but security measures like payment barriers would compromise accessibility.
Cleveland Police said it was investigating and neighbourhood officers were carrying out additional patrols in the area.
Independent councillor for Dormanstown Debbie Powlay said the community was "disgusted" but the vandalism was "pretty much a yearly event".
"We're fed up with it," she said.
'Thousands already spent'
The park has had a toilet for about 10 years and is used by cafe visitors and Parkrun participants.
Deputy leader and cabinet member for climate and culture Carrie Richardson said it had set up payment barriers at other toilets in the area.
"However, that approach isn't suitable for every facility," she said.
"At locations such as Locke Park, the physical structure of the toilets means there are limited options for increasing security without compromising accessibility."
The Labour-led council said it was assessing the damage and cost of repairs, and could not say how long the affected cubicle would be out of service.
Richardson said: "Over recent years, we've spent tens of thousands of pounds of public money repairing damage caused by vandalism in public toilets.
"That's money that could otherwise be invested in improving local services and facilities."
The council said it intended to repair the damage and restore the facility "as soon as possible".
