Nuisance youths smashed tiles and smeared soap over the walls in public toilets in Charing.

Parish councillors were forced to close the loos in Old Ashford Road following the spate of vandalism, which happened twice in a fortnight.

The toilets were first targeted in February before more damage was spotted on Saturday, March 3.

Charing parish council chairman Jill Leyland said: "The ladies toilet has reopened but it was not possible to reopen the gents' until this week, as the damage was worse.

"This is the second time in two weeks' that they have been vandalised so we are extremely cross about it.

"We do have some leads regarding the culprits so the police are following it up."

Parish clerk Dawne Austen says the council has spent between £300 and £400 repairing the facility.

She said: "We have never had any issues with vandalism in the village before and we do not know why it has started.

"Somebody saw a group of boys and girls hanging around in the toilets and saw two run out.

"They are well-known toilets, the only public toilets in the village, so they are used a lot. Walkers and cyclists use them, as well as drivers passing through.

"It is very disappointing."

A loft hatch was kicked in during the vandalism, while a soap dispenser and emergency light were also damaged.

Police are investigating and it is believed the damage was done between 8am and 3.30pm on Saturday, March 3.

The toilets were due to reopen today.

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious is urged to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference ZY/010716/18.