Gisborne District Council says continued incidents of vandalism has led to the closure of public toilets in Wainui and Okitu during night-time hours.
Council Acting Director of Liveable Communities, Kerry Hudson says there had been multiple instances of vandalism across the region in parks and other facilities.
“Apart from the significant on-going cost to ratepayers, it means facilities have to close as we repair them,” said Ms Hudson.
“Due to ongoing vandalism at the Wainui/Okitu facilities we are trialing nightly closures at four locations: Stockroute, Lysnar; across from the Okitu Store, Chalet and Whales.”
The toilets will be open from 6am-7pm. This may extend to 8pm with daylight savings but at this stage they will be closing overnight, Council confirmed.
“We hope these closures will disrupt the pattern of behaviour.”
“Ideally we would like no vandalism of our parks and facilities but in the meantime all we can do is encourage people to call it out and take measures when we have to,” said Ms Hudson.
