SURVEYORS are counting the cost of an arson attack on public toilets in John Street.

The damage to The Parade toilets in John Street last month is estimated at £55,000.

The toilets have been closed to the public because of the severe fire damage.

A quantity surveyor for Swindon Council came up with the figure after working out how much it would cost to refurbish the toilets to a standard where they could be reopened.

Work that needs to be undertaken to restore the toilets to their former state includes: the removal and replacement of all 18 toilet blocks from the male and female bathrooms; repair of the ceilings in women's toilets caused by fire damage; removal and replacement of the three baby change areas, removal and replacement of all floor coverings; electrical and mechanical works to replace 14 light fittings and associated works; full steam cleaning and redecoration.

Swindon Services are working closely with the police and fire authority to catch the vandals.

Cabinet member for Swindon Services, Coun Justin Tomlinson said: "This was a mindless act of vandalism. We will work with the police to do all we can to help bring those responsible to face the full force of the law."

Louts have also targeted other public toilets in the town, including those in Victoria Road, Old Town, and Cavendish Square.

Swindon Council has admitted such vandalism is a problem all around the borough.

It has warned that it will keep the Cavendish Square toilets shut if there is any more trouble.

Last year the toilets were opened and repaired on five separate occasions.

In October residents fought to reopen the toilets, in spite of fears that drug addicts could use them.

Isabel Field