VANDALS have forced a West Somerset town council to close a public toilet block at night for the rest of the winter.

The cost of putting right the vandalism to the Harbour Road toilets in Watchet has been put at more than £780 since last April.

Town clerk Jo Grellier said: “This does not include the staffing costs to clear the destruction left behind and repair time, which is currently on a daily basis.

“We recognise it is unsustainable and unacceptable for Watchet residents to be paying for these repairs.

“After much consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close Harbour Road toilets before dark each night during the winter months.

“This was not a decision made lightly.”

Ms Grellier said police were investigating the criminal damage.