Anti-social youths trash Stanley Park toilets amid £500k investment
The incident comes just as celebrations are being organised to mark the centenary of the Grade II-listed park
Vandals have forced a public toilet at Blackpool’s Stanley Park to close after mindlessly trashing the facilities.
It is understood that police are investigating an incident on Friday June 5 believed to involve a group of youths.
This week there was a sign on of one the toilet doors informing the public that it was closed due to vandalism.
The neighbouring disabled toilet was also targeted but the damage was not as serious.
It comes just as celebrations are being organised to mark the centenary of the Grade II-listed park later this year, with owners Blackpool Council spending £500,000 on various park projects.
Around £50,000 of thatt money has been raised by the Friends of Stanley Park.
A Blackpool man, who took some photos but did not wish to be named, said: “The park offers something fo everyone so i can’t understand the mindless vandalism.
“There’a bit of damage in the disabled toilet but thankfully it’s not too bad.”
A spokesperson for Blackpool Council said: “It’s upsetting and frustrating that people would do this to facilities in our busy, beautiful park. We are working to remedy the damage caused, to reopen the toilets as soon as possible.”
Lancashire Police have been approached for a comment.
The 256-acre park, originally opened in October 1926 and designed by Thomas Mawson, is celebrating with a year-long schedule of festivities leading up to a special two-day centenary event on October 2-3.
The £500,000 package combines both event planning and major restoration work to protect the park’s heritage for future generations, including repair wok on the 85ft high Cocker Clock Tower.