Timed locks to keep vandals out of Onchan toilets

Incidents at Main Road and Port Jack

Onchan District Commissioners have approved the installation of timed magnetic locks on their public toilets, due to a spate of vandalism in recent months.

At a meeting this week (7 Jan) the board heard how throughout November and December the culprits had ripped out soap dispensers, blocked urinals, and even thrown wet tissue at passing cars.

The incidents were reported to have taken place at the authority-owned toilets on Main Road and Port Jack.

Both blocks will now be fitted with locks which automatically shut at set times, in a move that's estimated to cost the commissioners around £700 plus VAT.

Chairman Martin Macfarlane said the technology will allow the local authority to be flexible in when it shuts the conveniences, and react to any trends in the vandalism.

Similar locks have been fitted to the authority's toilets at Onchan Park, which have been set to close at 4pm rather than 8pm due to the spike in vandalism during the darker evenings.

The opening times of the Port Jack and Main Road toilets will be publicised by the local authority once the new technology is put in place.