Vandals target new public toilets

Vandals could shut down Leicester's traditional public toilets just a year after they were reopened.

The city centre conveniences had been shut for 10 years but were reopened in a £700,000 refurbishment programme.

But persistent attacks on the toilets have meant soaring maintenance costs and complaints from the public about sub-standard facilities.

The council is now considering installing self-cleaning "superloos", which are more secure.

They have ripped the sinks off the walls, they have pulled the pipe work away Richard Welburn, Leicester City Council

When the toilets were reopened, a decision to charge 20p per visit proved highly controversial.

More than 2,000 people signed a petition demanding that the facilities be free.

The physical layout of the buildings also means it is difficult to alter them so people with disabilities and parents wanting to change their babies can use them.

Richard Welburn, from the city council, admitted they had already been ruined by vandals.

He said: "They have ripped the sinks off the walls, they have pulled the pipe work away .

"They are taking the fittings from the toilets - toilet rolls and even light bulbs."

Proposals are now being considered to have superloos installed.