New doors installed at Knaresborough public toilets after repeated acts of vandalism

New doors have been installed at public toilets in Knaresborough following weeks of repeated vandalism that forced the facilities to temporarily close.

North Yorkshire councillors Hannah Gostlow and Matt Walker visited the Conyngham Hall Car Park toilets last week alongside council officers responsible for managing public conveniences across the county.

The visit comes after the Harrogate Advertiser reported how the toilets were forced to close following repeated acts of vandalism.

During the visit, Councillor Gostlow and Councillor Walker met with Steve and Simon, who oversee the management of 93 public toilets across North Yorkshire, to discuss the recent incidents and the measures being introduced to help protect the facilities.

New replacement doors have now been installed at the Conyngham Hall Car Park toilets, with the improvements also including new ventilation panels.

Councillor Gostlow said she hopes the upgrades will help improve access for users while also deterring further vandalism.

She said: "We were grateful for the chance to discuss the vandalism at our facilities over recent weeks, and really pleased to see the new doors being installed at the Conyngham Hall Car Park toilets today.

"We hope the new doors will help address some of the access issues and deter further vandalism.

“The new ventilation panels should make a difference too."

She also thanked the council officers for their work maintaining the county's public conveniences.

"Thank you to Steve and Simon for taking the time to meet with us and for all the work that goes into keeping these important facilities available for residents and visitors alike," she added.

The improvements follow concerns raised by residents after repeated attacks on the toilets, which prompted both North Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire Police to appeal for information.

Police previously confirmed the latest incident at facilities in the Castle Yard car park and on Fisher Street caused around £1,000 worth of damage.

The repeated acts of vandalism prompted North Yorkshire Council to introduce a 6pm closing time for public conveniences across the town in a bid to reduce further incidents.

The council hopes the latest upgrades will reduce the likelihood of further damage and ensure the toilets remain available for both residents and visitors to Knaresborough.