AS a result of extensive damage from senseless acts of vandalism, Council has made the decision to temporarily close public amenities in Hamilton between 8pm and 7am.

Vandals have been causing extensive damage across the shire in recent weeks including breaking windows in the heritage listed church on Brown Street, the Lake Hamilton amenities block, and the CFA tower at Melville Oval, ripping toilet seats from toilets, breaking locks on toilet doors, spreading human excrement across floors and walls, breaking street furniture, and widespread graffiti on amenity block walls, doors and cisterns.

There has also been extensive obscene graffiti damage to Council facility walls and street furniture throughout the CBD and surrounding public areas.

Parks and public amenities in the Southern Grampians Shire are provided for the use of all residents and visitors and it is particularly disappointing to know that people are deliberately sabotaging them.

The ongoing vandalism is very distressing and frustrating for council staff who are faced with the cleanup, creating hours of work and repair bills that are a terrible waste of ratepayer funds.

Council have made the decision to close amenities blocks at Lake Hamilton, IGA carpark, Hamilton Botanic Gardens and the Hamilton Skatepark from 8pm and reopen at 7am until further notice in an aim to reduce night-time incidents.

At this stage the Lonsdale Street toilet block will remain open, however, should vandalism at this site continue, this may be closed at night as well.

Council have estimated the recent damage in Hamilton’s CBD is around $50,000.

Police have identified those responsible.

Members of the public are encouraged to report incidents of damage to Council and/or Hamilton police, likewise if anyone has information relating to vandalism in Hamilton, please contact Hamilton police on 5551 9100.