Ref. 71729-28PUBLIC toilets in Old Town have been vandalised just two weeks after a £12,000 refurbishment.

The latest damage to the men's toilets at the top of Victoria Road will cost £2,500 to repair.

Jim Smith, 59, of Swindon Services, yesterday had the unenviable task of removing the vandalised bowls and cisterns from the toilets.

He said: "This is just mindless vandalism. I don't understand it."

Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden said: "This is another example of vandalism which will result in a loss of valuable public convenience resources and also a cost to the council which the taxpayers will have to pick up.

"It is vitally important if a member of the public sees this wanton vandalism that they should dial 999 immediately and call the police.

"But they should think very carefully about getting involved with the people who are undertaking this vandalism.

"The public ask me quite regularly why we have the level of council tax that we do in Swindon.

"This is an example of the waste which causes a higher rate of council tax to be imposed than we would like."

Lib Dem councillor Wendy Johnson (Old Town and Lawn) said: "This is very unfortunate.

"But it is very necessary for the public to have conveniences available.

"The toilets need to be opened to the public again as soon as possible."

Theresa Chalk, a shop assistant in the dry cleaning shop next door to the toilets said: "I think it's absolutely disgusting.

"They should have their backsides smacked.

"What is Britain coming to that people destroy something that technically is theirs anyway?"

Council spokesman Gavin Calthrop said: "The toilets are closed because of safety concerns.

"Every pan had to be replaced and most of the basins.

"We are waiting now for new locks to be delivered and we hope to re-open the toilets in the next week or 10 days."

In May 2002 the Evening Advertiser reported that needles and other drug taking paraphernalia had been found at the toilets, while local shopkeepers claimed that drugs were being dealt openly in the area.

The police were unable to comment.