By Isle of Wight Observer
Vandals have set fire to areas in New Road toilets, in Lake, leading to them being closed.
The immediate future of the amenities is to be discussed by the parish council, although the proposed new build of the toilet block is still planned.
Parish council chairman, Paul Brading, said: “Anti-social behaviour and vandalism at New Road toilets has cost Lake residents thousands of pounds. The latest incident posed a serious fire risk to people and the building, and if the fire took hold, could have threatened neighbouring properties.”
Vice chairman, Adrian Whittaker, added: “We have reported the incident to the local police and submitted a report, with photographs, and will support action being taken against the perpetrators.”
Lake Parish Council has recently replaced the public toilets at Lake Cliff Gardens, which has seen a significant reduction in levels of anti-social behaviour there. The council has also submitted a loan application to replace the New Road facility in response to the ongoing vandalism.
“We have listened to the concerns of residents, and, within our limited resources, have had to prioritise the replacement of New Road toilets within the next six months, subject to the loan. We recognise this has budget implications for 2024 onwards.”
