THE council is furious after vandals put public toilets out of action.

More than £600 damage was caused to Bedale's public toilets in the latest in a spate of attacks which has already cost Hambleton District Council almost £1,000.

The latest attack has left the men's toilets unfit for use and also meant the ladies' and disabled loos were out of order for 48 hours.

Urinals were smashed, toilets pulled from the wall, toilet waste spread across walls and graffiti daubed on windows and walls.

The disabled parking bay outside the Bridge Street building was also defaced.

"This extreme vandalism means we have to close the complete toilet block - ladies', men's and disabled - in order that repairs can be carried out once more," said head of technical services David McGloin. "The mindless act of a few people will cause a great deal of inconvenience for many others and unnecessary expense to the council.

"These are not random acts of vandalism - it has been going on for some time now and these people come prepared. Holes have been drilled through water pipes and paint sprayed across walls."

Anyone with any information should call (01609) 767164. It is hoped the toilets will re-open fully by Friday.