A SPATE of vandalism in Watchet has cost the town council nearly £6,000 in the last six months – and could even lead to closure of the West Street car park as a last resort.

A spokesman for the council said the vandalism was causing serious concern, and this week a statement was issued appealing to local people to work with the council to stop it.

“Watchet is an amazing community which is being threatened at the moment by a small minority who have no respect for the town or its people,” said Sarah Reed, the town clerk.

“The town council are therefore asking the public to be vigilant in reporting any incidents or suspicious behaviour to the town council office or the pPolice, however minor, and let’s work together to keep Watchet safe for those living and working here.”

The worst vandalism has been to the council-owned car park in West Street, where the swipe card machine, which allows entry to the car park and activates an electrical barrier, was damaged beyond repair in November last year.

It cost £4,700 for the council to replace this with a more secure fob entry system, which was installed at the beginning of March – only for the electrical barrier to be stolen during the evening of April 9. In spite of an extensive search, it could not be found initially.

A new barrier had to be sourced and was installed on April 18, and the old one was later discovered thrown over the cliff at the top of Cleeve Hill.

It is believed the vandals live locally in Watchet and the council is working closely with the police to find the offenders, and check the barrier for fingerprints.

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