COMMUNITY leaders in Peebles are desperately trying to save public toilets that are frequently trashed by vandals.

As previously reported, it has been revealed that Scottish Borders Council is spending a pretty penny on the School Brae loos.

With many local authorities now shrugging the responsibility to fund and run public toilets, it is feared the School Brae toilets will close. And it has been suggested that the community takes ownership to prevent this from happening.

Over the years the toilets have been a target for thugs who have broken the locks and vandalised them.

Councillor Robin Tatler (Ind, Tweeddale East) said: “Property maintenance are looking at ways to secure the doors. The amount of vandalism is excessive and it’s costing a lot of money and we can’t just keep throwing money at it.

“I think with the new community hub being there, that might be something that the Peebles Community Trust thinks about taking ownership. With there being more activity, you might find that some of these issues sort themselves out.”

Community Councillor Allan MacKenzie suggested that, rather than spending money on expensive locks to charge patrons for using the facilities, the cash would be better put towards CCTV.

Police are working with youth organisations and schools over vandalism in the town and countryside.

PC Diane Sorrell said: “I have had complaints about general vandalism and bottles being smashed. I have spoken to youth leader David Hodson about the issues. I know there is the youth club on the School Brae, and I’m not saying it is youngsters or people from the youth club, but we need to know how we can work with our young people to get the message across that mindless vandalism is not acceptable.”

The community council is looking into the possibility of getting CCTV up and running on the School Brae.