Over the weekend of the 17th August the ladies toilets in Collett Park, Shepton Mallet, were vandalised, causing the toilet facility to be closed while emergency repairs could be undertaken.

Shepton Mallet Town Council is aware that this closure caused an enormous inconvenience to those that rely on the public lavatories and is frustrated that acts of vandalism like this place a burden on public services.

At the same time there has been a spate of fires or alleged fires in Collett Park which has led to an increased police presence in the area, again adding a burden to public services.

A spokesperson for the council said: "Can we please ask that members of the public respect and appreciate these facilities.

"This type of vandalism costs on average £500 per incident, which is literally, in this case, money down the toilet.

"We are pleased to report that the toilets are now up and running."