Wooler 'hooligans' strike again at public toilets - vandals tried to set soap dispenser alight in wrecking spree

Two reports of vandalism have occurred over the past month – with another possible attempt stopped by police last weekend – resulting in damage estimated at £2,000.

Youths have recently tried to set fire to the soap dispenser, ripped a toilet roll holder off the wall in the gent’s toilets and thrown toilet rolls on the roof, it was reported at a meeting of Wooler Parish Council.

In a police report, clerk Kerren Rogers stated: “Police are patrolling the areas where possible to try and prevent further incidents and any children seen are being engaged with to try and deter damage.”

The possible installation of a camera deterrent is to be discussed at a multi-agency crime and disorder meeting.

However, parish councillors were told that there are procedures which must be followed due to surveillance laws.

Coun Mark Trotter said: “It’s quite a protracted process to get the authority to get a camera but that doesn’t prevent them doing the damage.

“Perhaps we need to take more proactive steps to stop them. We need to let them know that we’ll be looking at them.”

But Coun Robert Donkin said: “The last time the camera was there it did stop them.”

Coun Caroline Cumming said: “We need to let people know how much this is costing and that’s it’s being caused by the hooligans of Wooler.”

Coun Angus Murray added: “This is being done by a minority of the youth of Wooler.”

Coun Joyce Robertson said the parents of those involved should be sent the repair bill.

“That would be down to the police,” said Coun Murray.

“The only other thing we could do is close the toilets at night which would upset a lot of people,” said Coun Robertson. “It’s a shame for those who rely on them.”

“If it continues we’ll have to look at that,” agreed Coun Murray.

Stocks of toilet rolls on the premises have already been reduced.

“Otherwise it’s just a waste if they end up on the roof,” said Mrs Rodgers.

It was agreed to include a breakdown of the costs incurred in the parish council minutes.