Vandals force toilets closure

PARK enthusiasts have been caught short for over a week after vandals forced the closure of Alexandra Park toilets.

Damage to the facilities includes graffiti on the walls, blocking of the toilets and damage to the faucets.

Their action has been slammed as mindless vandalism by council staff who say council tax payers will be left to pick up the bill.

Keith Hoyle, Parks Operations Manager, said: “The toilets at Alexandra Park have been closed for repairs following continuing vandalism against the facilities.

“While we apologise to the many people who enjoy the park for this inconvenience, we have a responsibility to maintain the facilities so that they are comfortable and pleasant to use.

“It is sad that a small group of people feel that they have the right to be able to carry out mindless acts of vandalism, and leave the council tax payers of Oldham to pick up the bill.”

However, one Glodwick resident, who did not want to be named, said the council should have informed residents about the damage.

The resident, who uses the park on a daily basis, suffers from arthritis and a medical condition which means they may need to use the toilets.

“I walk in the park every day for exercise and the toilets have always been open.

“But I noticed over a week ago that they were shut and locked up with no sign or explanation as to why.

“I rang the council but they did not give me a proper explanation, on that it was shut for safety reasons.

“If the reason for the closure is security, then what is the security firm playing at?”