After fanfare summer reopening, vandals force closure of Thurso’s Tanyard toilets again

Blighted by repeated vandalism, Thurso’s Tanyard (Riverside) public toilets are once again closed due to antisocial behaviour.

Thurso community councillors welcomed the reopening of the upgraded facility at the beginning of June when a self-locking system was installed. Before that, the Riverside Road toilets were out of commission for more than a year following a spate of vandalism.

Last week, the toilets were targeted again by vandals and once again closed by Highland Council.

A council spokesperson said: “Thurso toilets were vandalised on October 2 and therefore closure was instructed.

“The facility had all the toilet roll holders broken and toilet paper strewn everywhere, as well as food waste smeared about.

“As a service, we are so disappointed with the way this facility has been treated. As has occurred at other sites where vandalism is an ongoing issue, we have instructed an immediate closure. We will not be reopening these facilities for two weeks to see if things settle down.”

Community councillors are keen to see the toilets remain open particularly given the prime location just off the town centre. They have, however, expressed concern that it could be mothballed due to the ongoing issues.