Vandals target Swanmore public toilets

The toilet block in the playing field of New Road was targeted during the afternoon of Thursday, January 12 with both the inside and part of the exterior being torn apart.

Swanmore Parish Council posted photos of the damage on Facebook on Friday, January 13 morning and said the toilets would be closed for the weekend.

The incident has been reported to the police and the parish’s community safety officer, Gary McCulloch, is urging people to come forward if they know who did it.

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Mr McCulloch posted on Facebook on Saturday, January 14: “I always try and stand between a first offender and outside agencies. A quiet word, I firmly believe, can steer someone in the right direction and away from a rocky path.

“In this instance I have not been able to get through to these people. I now have a Crime Reference Number, and I have the CCTV that clearly shows all those involved including the ones who smashed up the inside and I intend to make certain that they get my message clearly. Play nice because I don't always play nice.

“I have a meeting with the Sergeant at Bishops Waltham Police Station this morning and this will be subject number one.

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“This damage will not be cheap to repair and replace and from my rough estimate it is already well into the thousands of pounds.

“I have been contacted by residents with names but I don't have them all. If you saw or have reason to believe that you know who did this then I urge you to message me privately with the names.”

A spokesperson for the police said: “Police are investigating criminal damage was caused to the toilet block at New Road Playing Field, Swanmore.

“The incident happened at some time between 3.10pm and 3.30pm on January 12.

“Anyone with information should call the police on 101 quoting 44230016526.”