THE public toilets in Gunnislake will be closed at night but remain open during the day following a spate of ’revolting’ vandalism and criminal damage.

Last night (October 12), Calstock parish councillors discussed whether or not to keep the toilets at the bottom of Chapel Street open after they have been subjected to numerous incidents of vandalism, most prominently incidents of someone smearing faeces over the floor and walls on an almost weekly basis for several months.

To tackle the problem Calstock Parish Council agreed to shut the toilets on weekend evenings, but the perpertrator simply carried on the disgusting act during the week.

The clerk said the police had reported the incidents as criminal damage but there wasn’t much officers could do unless someone was caught in the act. The parish council took over the running of the toilets over a year ago from Cornwall Council to save them for the village but with the recent filthy incidents as well as other vandalism, including deliberate blockages and toilet seats being stolen, the council considered the difficult decision to shut them for good.

In a statement, clerk to the council Sue Lemon said: ’After our council meeting last night it was agreed that the toilets would remain open during the day and be closed at night. Volunteers from the community will be closing the toilets and the council cleaner or member will open them.

’The council would like to thank everyone who turned up and sent emails and voiced their opinion and we are glad that the community is happy to help and get involved.

’Please can we ask everyone to remain vigilant and if they see anyone acting suspiciously or see any damage to either report it to the police or to the clerk.

We would also like to reiterate what the chairman said last night that we do not wish to close the toilets. Cornwall Council would have closed them if the parish council had not taken them on and we would like to see them remain open.’