Park Street public toilet in Lydd to remain closed after being hit by a second fire
Published: 12:25, 04 July 2022
Updated: 09:14, 06 July 2022
An arson-hit public convenience will remain closed to the public after a second fire.
The Park Street women's toilets in Lydd were put out of use last year when damage was sustained in a blaze believed to have been started deliberately.
Now Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) has had to delay reopening after a second arson attack which happened during the afternoon of June 21.
Lydd ward councillor Clive Goddard expressed his anger at the latest vandalism, which has cost taxpayers thousands of pounds.
"This is disgraceful behaviour of a person or persons," he said.
"It sickens me knowing that FHDC had spent thousands to upgrade and update the toilets, and a reckless act of behaviour has now closed the toilets.
"I hope the police catch the culprit."
The council has shared CCTV footage of those responsible for the latest fire with police and investigations are ongoing.
No one was reported to have been hurt in the fire.
An FHDC spokesman said: "We’ve been working hard to reopen the ladies' toilets in Lydd after they were subject to an arson attack.
"But before we were able to announce a reopening date, the facilities suffered further anti-social behaviour and damage
"It means the toilets will have to be closed for even longer despite our best efforts. To say we're disappointed would be an understatement."
A police spokesman said: "Kent Police is investigating a suspicious fire in a public toilet building near Cannon Street, Lydd, which is believed to have started between 4pm and 5pm on Tuesday, June 21.
"Anyone with information is urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/121409/22."
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