The demolition of public toilets has led to a vandalism spree in Denholme, it is claimed.

Residents believe the dismantling of public toilets in Foster Park two weeks ago has led to gangs of young people vandalising parts of the village.

Since the toilets were knocked down six benches next to the Bradford council-owned bowling green in the park have been smashed. Newly planted flower beds and shrubs outside the Mechanics Institute were also ripped out -they have since been replanted.

Town councillor Barbara Rayner says the level of vandalism went 'absolutely mad' after the toilets were knocked down. "This has all happened since the toilets have gone," she says. "Of course they have got nowhere to go so they spoil everything for everyone else.

"It really needs more police presence in this village, not just when they see fit."

Secretary of Denholme Bowls Club Pauline Lightowler says: "The damage was terrible. It looks like someone has even been running across the green in football boots, but what can you do about it? Bradford council have been up and we hope they will be able to make repairs as quickly as possible."

The public toilets were knocked down by the council after local residents complained that they were becoming a focus for anti-social behaviour.

A spokesperson for Brad-ford council's cleansing dep-artment says: "The toilets have been demolished because they were in a very poor structural condition and were providing a focal point for vandals. The football club are now planning to build new facilities nearby and the council will be making a contribution to the cost of the toilets."

Denholme United Football Club initially opposed the demolition of the toilets because it needed the facilities to comply with regulations set down by the Halifax Football League, in which the club's two senior teams play. The teams change in the village band room on Hill Crest View, which does not have toilet facilities.

Secretary Mick O'Connor explains: "The Halifax Football League stipulates that you have to have toilets in either the changing rooms or near the pitch. We are now in the process of having all the plans drawn up for a toilet extension next to the band room."

and we are in contact with various departments at Bradford council about funding for the project.'

The cost of the toilet extension is believed to be in the region of $10,000, and the football club is also looking into alternative sources of funding.

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