Spate of vandalism and antisocial behaviour hits Honiton

There has been a number of reported cases of vandalism and antisocial behaviour in Honiton recently.

Various locations around the town centre have been targeted by vandals causing deliberate damage to public property. Antisocial behaviour and graffiti have also been reported.

East Devon District Council has been required to send out specialist teams to repair the damage caused and make the facilities usable again.

A spokesperson for East Devon District Council said: "It is disappointing that our Property Services team has been called out a number of times recently in response to cases of wanton vandalism to a number of our properties.

"In Honiton, the Lace Walk toilets were vandalised three times in one week - the latter two occasions occurring after repairs and redecorations had been carried out to the doors.

"At Allhallows Pavilion, vandals kicked the door in and split the wood around the door handle, so it couldn't be locked. This has now been repaired and repainted."

Commenting on the vandalism, St Paul's Honiton ward member Cllr Tony McCollum, said: "This is disgraceful behaviour and the people of Honiton are appalled by such vandalism.

"Over the past couple of months we have had not just the Pavilion, but Lace Walk toilets and graffiti around the town itself, along with a lot of antisocial behaviour and this cannot be allowed to continue.

"I have concerns about the current resourcing level of the Police Neighbourhood Team in Honiton in comparison to other East Devon towns and I will raise this matter with the Local Police Area Commander.

"I can understand the frustration of the residents and businesses in the town but they can help by continuing to report these incidents immediately to the police whenever they see something suspicious."