Maroondah Council changes operating hours for Croydon Town Square toilets after repeated vandalism
It's only been open for six months, but a $100,000 toilet in a new public square in Croydon has already had its opening hours slashed after being repeatedly attacked by vandals.
Outer East
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Croydon Town’s Square’s $100,000 public toilet is out of order to most of the public at night following repeated acts of vandalism.
The Changing Places all-abilities toilet in Croydon Town Square has been repeatedly damaged by vandals since it opened in April.
The latest incident was discovered by Cr Marijke Graham earlier this month, who found graffiti and offensive tags sprawled over the toilet walls, along with dumped trolleys outside.
The council reduced the toilet’s operating hours to 7am-7pm, after previously allowing public access from 5am-10pm.
Those with a MLAK master key — available to people with a disability — still have 24-hour access.
Mayor Rob Steane said the council was disappointed by the ongoing vandalism at the toilet and advised homeless people had also been sleeping nearby.
But Cr Steane said the amount of people sleeping in the square “appears to have waned” since the toilet’s operating hours changed.
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The council has also increased the toilet’s cleaning schedule and referred any inappropriate use and damage to police.
“The council is disappointed that the public amenities within the new Croydon Town Square have been subject to wilful vandalism,” Cr Steane said.
“The council will continue to respond to these issues and work with the local police to address anti-social behaviour in the area.”
Maroondah crime prevention officer Leading Senior Constable Martin Buzzell urged anyone who witnesses vandalism to contact police.
“It (Croydon Town Square) is a great facility and the council have put a lot of work into it, and it’s a shame it has been tarnished by a few,” he said.
Leading Sen-Constable Buzzell encouraged those who are close to or experiencing homelessness to contact relevant agencies for support.