Public toilet arson condemned as 'deplorable'

An arson attack on a public toilet has been condemned as "deplorable".

The cubicle on Bedford Street in Stroud, Gloucestershire, was set on fire on Thursday.

Stroud District Council confirmed it will remain closed until repair work can be completed.

The council's environment committee chair Chloe Turner said "This deplorable act of vandalism will affect families visiting Stroud."

She added: "It is likely to cost several thousand pounds of taxpayers' money to repair."

Council officers are assessing the damage, but it is thought the wall, floor, toilet pan, baby changing unit, roof and lighting will all need to be replaced.

Other toilets in the block on Bedford Street will remain open from 07:00 until 19:00 BST daily.

Gloucestershire Police is investigating and officers have urged witnesses to come forward.

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