Poundstock Parish Council Appeals for Witnesses After Widemouth Beach Toilet Vandalism

Poundstock Parish Council, situated in Cornwall, has issued an appeal for witnesses following an act of vandalism. The council reported that the bowl in the women’s toilets at Widemouth Beach was broken with a heavy rock, an incident believed to have occurred “probably on Monday afternoon”. These toilet facilities, located near Bude, were recently transferred to the council from Cornwall Council and are currently undergoing refurbishment. Stephen Blake, the chair of the council, stated he was “extremely disappointed that this happened in a time when people are counting pennies – the perpetrator should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves”. Mr Blake noted that vandalism is uncommon in the parish, which comprises approximately 100 houses, including holiday homes. However, he mentioned earlier incidents this year, including some graffiti and a broken lock at the toilet, as well as a churchyard wall that was “badly vandalised with hammers” a few weeks prior. He characterized the timing of this latest vandalism, which took place a few days after a trailer full of surfboards was stolen from the same beach, as “coincidental”, though he clarified there was “no proof the two were related”. “It’s almost a mini crime wave,” he said. Mr Blake commented that “someone went to a lot of effort” to find the rock and break the toilet, and he believed it “wasn’t a child” who lifted it, due to its size and weight. Mr Blake indicated that the council is awaiting a quote to replace the toilet, but it would “not be cheap”. “Unfortunately, the cost of incidents like this end up being paid for by residents through increased council tax,” he said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police or Crimestoppers.