THE thoughtless wrecking spree at a series of public toilets in Largs will cost £3,000 to repair.

The council say they will fix the toilets but at the cost of vital funds that could have been used elsewhere for the benefit of the community being redirected.

The most recent vandals spree at the public facilities at the Pencil has been priced as the most costly fix after yobs smashed cisterns, ripped piping from the walls and tore off lavatory doors.

It will cost the council £1,500 to get the Pencil toilets up and running again.

They will also have to shell out £750 to repair the Broomfields toilets and a further £600 for works at the facilities at Mackerston.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “These toilets are community facilities so when vandals are carrying out such destructive actions they are committing a crime against the whole community.

“The cost of repairing the toilets will be met from council budgets but at a time when council resources are coming under significant pressure, this is money which could be better spent elsewhere.

“We would urge those responsible for the vandalism to think about what they are doing and the impact it is having.

"We would also urge the public to be extra vigilant too and contact the Police if they have information.”

With the peak tourist season around the corner there are concerns that vandalism could impact trade in the town.

Community Councillor Andy Adair said: "Come summer time, if these facilities are not up and running, it could be a major problem.

"I know that there have been people and families with young kids wanting to use them recently and they can't.

"They need to be fixed. The toilets are relied upon, especially during the summer when people are enjoying the walk along the prom."

Councillor Ian Murdoch said: "Council budgets are tight and I don't think people understand just how bad it is. We can't expect that the council will just keep covering the costs of fixing the toilets.

"Even I've been surprised at just how well used they are. It just proves they are vital facilities and people expect to be able to use them."