Appeal after Hartlepool park toilets vandalised within hours of reopening after lockdown eases

Council chiefs have issued an appeal for information after the damage to the toilet blocks in Rossmere Park and Ward Jackson Park which only reopened to the public on Saturday, July 4 as part of the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Within hours, sanitiser gel dispensers were torn from walls at both park toilet blocks, and a fire was started in a hand basin at Rossmere Park.

The council is warning that if such vandalism continues to happen they will close the facilities again.

Sarah Scarr, Heritage and Countryside Manager at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “It is particularly upsetting that this should happen given that we had issued an appeal for people to respect the facilities when they re-opened.

“Although we have been able to keep the toilets open despite the damage, if vandalism continues to occur then we will be left with no option other than to close them – denying people of a vital amenity.

“We would urge visitors and residents to act as our eyes and ears at all times and to call the police if they see damage being caused or spot anyone acting suspiciously.”

People who visited either park over the weekend and nearby residents are being asked to call the police on 101 if they have any information.

The council is also reminding people about social distancing and the need to maintain good personal hygiene after a number of children’s play areas reopened.

Those that are open again are at Seaton Front, Rossmere Park, Ward Jackson Park, Clavering, King George V Recreation Ground and Summerhill Country Park.

However, a number of others around the town remain temporarily closed and the council is asking residents to respect them after reports of attempts to gain access to play areas at Seaton Park and Burn Valley Gardens.

The Council’s new team of Community Street Ambassadors, which launched last week to provide a reassurance presence on the ground, will also be out and about encouraging people to enjoy parks and open spaces responsibly.

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