'Offensive' vandals target Exmouth park toilets

Police have asked anyone with information to get in touch

The council has reduced opening times to a toilet block in an Exmouth park due to persistent vandalism.

The authority described the vandalism, in Phear Park, as "offensive".

East Devon District Council (EDDC) said the issue, which had been ongoing for 18 months, had "racked up a bill of hundreds of pounds in repair costs".

From this week the toilets would have reduced opening times, between 08:30 and 15:00 GMT, to limit the chance of more damage, the council said.

Councillor Geoff Jung described the vandalism as "senseless" and said it was costing the district council time and money to continually remove the graffiti.

He said the money could be "better spent" on projects elsewhere.

"Working with the police and others the council will endeavour to further investigate these very personal hurtful and bullying messages which must be stopped," he added.

Inspector Antonia Weeks, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "We are aware of the damage caused in the public toilets and the nature of the graffiti.

"If anyone has any information about this matter please contact the police."