TOILET and changing facilities at a popular Basingstoke leisure facility have again been set on fire by vandals just a week after the council installed a brand-new unit.

The portable disabled toilet and changing unit at the splash pad in Chineham Park was reinstalled just last week after the previous facilities were destroyed by vandals.

However, the new unit has also been vandalised yesterday evening (Monday, June 6), leaving the council “extremely disappointed”.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s interim executive director of residents’ services Tom Payne said the new facility will be removed and it is considering alternative options because of repeated targeting by vandals.

“We are extremely disappointed to announce that there has been more vandalism to the toilet and changing facilities at the splash pad in Chineham Park.

“Nearly a week ago we sourced and installed a brand new portable disabled toilet and changing unit to replace the previous one that was destroyed by vandals. Unfortunately we will now be removing this new facility after mindless vandals again set fire to it, destroying it.

”In light of the repeated targeting of this facility over such a short period of time, we are exploring alternative options for those young families who use this site.”

Mr Payne added that the incident has been reported to the police and urged users for patience and understanding as it will take time to set up a new facility.

A spokesperson for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Services said: "A portaloo was destroyed in a fire at Chineham Park Court yesterday evening shortly after 5pm. 

"A crew from Basingstoke Fire Station were called at 5.06pm and extinguished the blaze using one high pressure hose reel before leaving the scene at 5.22pm."

The same site was targeted by vandals on Sunday, May 15, when the accessible toilet and baby changing facilities were left "irreparable".

The Gazette has contacted the Hampshire Constabulary for comment.

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