Seaton public toilets reopen after vandalism – and council leader guarantees their long-term future

Public toilets in Seaton which were closed following significant vandalism have been reopened, under reduced hours, to discourage the facility from being targeted again.

The Thury Harcourt Place Toilets were reopened on Friday after some of the worst graffiti East Devon District Council (EDDC) has ever seen.

Given the extensive issues over a long period of time, and the impact on time and resources, EDDC has decided to re-open the toilets with reduced opening hours over the next two weeks.

The facilities will open initially between 8am and 5pm. EDDC will be monitoring the situation and hope the move will deter any vandalism that was occurring later in the day.

EDDC will then look to extend the opening hours, if there are no further issues.

Council leader commits to protecting future of public facilities

A relief for Seaton: Public toilets have been reopened after significant vandalism (cartoon by Kevin Rye)

EDDC's leader Cllr Paul Arnott has visited the site in response to local concerns that the facilities would close permanently in the future, following the council's review of public toilets.

He has now personally guaranteed there will always be public toilet facilities at this site, with the existing toilets being in place until April 2023, before being remodelled to future proof the facility for years to come.

Officers will report back with further proposals later this summer.

Councillor Paul Arnott, East Devon District Council Leader said: "Access to good quality public toilets is essential for our towns and sustainable tourism offer.

"This administration took the difficult but necessary decision to review what EDDC could provide directly, but we still want to ensure toilets are available where they are most needed. I've been listening to concerns relayed to me by fellow councillors Jack Rowland and Dan Ledger, and that is why I will ensure this site has a public toilet facility available in some form always."

The Liberal Democrat candidate for the Honiton & Tiverton parliamentary seat, Richard Foord, also pledged his support for the facilities after meeting with Cllr Arnott.

He said: "Local residents have repeatedly raised concerns with me that these public toilets could be closed permanently, following a wave of vandalism and graffiti.

 "I am glad to hear that the facilities will be kept open and available to the public. This is great news for both local residents and tourists who come to enjoy our beautiful coastline.

"This is the kind of community focused activism we need. As your MP, I will continue to work with decision makers at all levels to deliver for our communities."

Any residents who may have seen what happened or have any information on the offenders involved in vandalising the toilets have been asked to report it on: EDDC's website, EDDC's app, via 101 online or through Crimestoppers.