Thurso public toilets set to be reopened in April after 'mindless' vandalism
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Public toilets in Thurso town centre are on course to be repaired and reopened ahead of the tourist season following a series of "mindless" acts of vandalism.
The Highland Council conveniences at Riverside Road have been locked up since November because of damage which has included fire-raising.
The local authority said this week that the toilets are scheduled to open again at the start of April.
At the same time, Police Scotland warned that officers "will not hesitate to take appropriate action" when criminal behaviour is reported and offenders are identified.
The council confirmed that the toilets had been closed since November 9 due to vandalism that involved "significant fire damage". They also had to be shut for a time last August.
A sign attached to the toilet block states: "This building is closed for an unspecified time due to constant misuse and vandalism."
A council spokesperson said: “It is very disappointing to see the council toilets vandalised when we know they are such a valued resource to have.
"Our staff are in the process of arranging repairs and hope to have the facilities ready to reopen for the start of the upcoming tourist season from April 1."
Ron Gunn, chairman of Thurso Community Council, welcomed the pledge to get the toilets open again.
"I raised this with Police Scotland and Highland Council at an earlier community council meeting and suggested that some kind of CCTV in the area should be considered," Mr Gunn said.
"Public toilets that are functional are a basic requirement for residents and visitors.
"At the moment there are no public toilets open in the town but thankfully shoppers in Tesco and Lidl can use their facilities.
"I welcome that Highland Council will have the toilets open for the tourist season and I understand that the public toilets near the harbour run by Thurso Community Development Trust will be opening around March 20."
Mr Gunn added: "Recently there have been a few acts of senseless vandalism around the town. If anyone has any information that might help, we would ask that they pass it to the police."
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “In the past 12 months we have had five incidents reported to us that have amounted to criminal behaviour, in respect of damage and fire-raising. In all but one of these incidents officers have been able to identify the perpetrators and have them charged.
“These acts of anti-social behaviour are mindless and in this case they have caused disruption to the local community with the closure of this public facility.
“We are committed to encouraging young people away from this kind of behaviour but we will not hesitate to take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified.
“Our local policing teams also regularly carry out patrols in Thurso to reassure the public and deter these kinds of incidents.
“We would encourage anyone with information about vandalism to the public toilets, or any other concerns about anti-social behaviour, to call Police Scotland on 101.”
