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Sandwell Valley toilets to be shut mid-afternoon after vandal attacks

Toilets at the biggest park in Sandwell will be closed from mid-afternoon on most days following a spate of vandalism.

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Council bosses say they have been left with no choice but to lock up the public toilets at Sandwell Valley in West Bromwich from 3.45pm.

The toilets have been left damaged in recent weeks after a series of targeted attacks by yobs.

Chiefs said their hand had been forced by 'persistent vandalism' and they could not afford for the damage to continue.

Council chiefs added the opening hours could be extended at busy times when the area can be monitored.

For example, on warm summer evenings when the park is packed with families the toilets would be kept open but on most days they will be shut early.

But park users described the decision as 'frustrating'.

Justina Moskal, 29, was in the park with her four-year-old daughter Jessica yesterday.

She said: "It is a problem. School finishes at four and kids are still here and six or seven.

"If they come out for a couple of hours they are likely to need the toilet.

"They can go at any time and they can't wait. I think they need to be kept open longer, until at least 6pm."

Mother-of-four Rachel Lee, from Stechford, said: "It's very frustrating as a parent.

"It's one of our favourite parks and there is a lot of vandalism in the area.

"I don't know why they have chosen that time to close them.

"Kids come out of school and that's when parents bring them to play."

Andrew Wood, 67, from Walsall, said: "It's a catch 22. Whatever they do they are going to get it wrong.

"If they leave them open and they get vandalised they will probably be closed for three or four days.

"Vandalism is a big issue, it's very vulnerable, away from the town centre.

"But from April onwards 3.45pm is very early. It's really smaller children who need to use them and probably older people as well."

A sign has been put up in Dartmouth Park, near the Sandwell Valley Showground, warning visitors of the changes.

Councillor Maria Crompton, cabinet member for highways and environment said:

"Following a few instances of vandalism in our public toilets in Sandwell Valley we have been forced, on some days, to close these facilities earlier than usual.

"However, when the park is busy, for example during the good weather last weekend, they have been open as late as 8.30pm to accommodate our visitors.

"It's a pity the behaviour of a small minority ruin things for others but we can't allow damage to the toilets to continue."

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