Visitors to a historic town and popular tourist hotspot have been left without access to public toilets following a spate of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Sandwich Town Council (STC) announced both sets of conveniences at The Quay and Cattle Market have been closed until further notice.

It came as the toilets were vandalised leaving them unfit for purpose but since the first facilities were targeted, now a second set in the town centre have also been hit.

A sign on the doors to The Quay loos says: “Please be advised that the public conveniences are closed until further notice due to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.”

The toilets in the Cattle Market - in the main car park next to the town’s historic Guildhall - were also shut until further notice on Monday as they too had been damaged.

Dover District Councillor for Sandwich Dan Friend, told of his disappointment at the news, adding that both facilities being out of action means residents and visitors have no access to public conveniences.

“Since the decision was made not to staff the conveniences during opening times, this was unfortunately always a risk,” he said.

“These toilets being out of action, coupled with the town council's decision not to use the offered grant funding to facilitate a 'Changing Places' provision leaves residents and visitors without these much-needed facilities.

“No date has been announced for their re-opening yet, but let's hope STC takes swift action as we enter the peak season for those wanting to enjoy Sandwich during the warmer months.”

Fellow town councillor Emmet Csuka added this spate of vandalism is “disheartening” and posted to social media following the closure of the Cattle Market toilets asking for anyone with any information to contact him or the town clerk.

He mentioned the vandalism to these facilities is thought to have happened on Sunday afternoon between 1.15pm and 6pm.

“Sadly, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour is a constant risk to facilities such as public toilets,” he said.

“While the town council has no statutory duty to supply public toilets, we regard their availability as something we should do our utmost to provide and to protect for our community and for visitors to the town.

“This latest spate of vandalism is very disheartening and is also very demoralising for our dedicated staff who try their best to keep the toilets open for everyone to use.

“The damage will be made good, and the toilets will reopen as soon as possible and let's hope we don't see a repeat of similar behaviour again.”

It is not known when either of the public conveniences may reopen.

A police spokesperson said officers received a report of criminal damage to public toilets at The Quay in Sandwich on Thursday, April 4.

“A further report was received that public toilets at Cattle Market, Sandwich had been damaged on Sunday, April 7,” they added.

“Local officers are aware and inquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, are ongoing.

“Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/55088/24.”