Vandals destroy toilets used by owl sanctuary

Vandals have destroyed a block of toilets which were being used by employees and visitors of an owl sanctuary in Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent.

The incident took place at the sanctuary, in Festival Park, on 4 April and it was then attacked a second time a few days later.

All of the toilets and mirrors were smashed with water leaking throughout the night rendering it unsafe to use.

The sanctuary said the toilet block was irreparable and will cost about £10,000 to be replaced.

Patricia Webb, co-owner of the sanctuary, said the shelter's employees saw the initial damage to the toilet block when they arrived to work on 5 April.

A few days later the facility had been "smashed to the ground" and "they had smashed the window and destroyed the disabled toilet," she said.

She added there was no damage to the owl sanctuary and no birds were harmed.

"They destroyed the baby changing facilities, the mirrors and sinks."

As a result of the damage, the sanctuary has had to cancel its school trips.

"We've been so overwhelmed by the comments and people offering to help like plumbers and electricians," she said.

The toilets were used by employees and visitors after being loaned to the sanctuary following the closure of the nearby Festival Park shopping centre.

The closure has meant the sanctuary's other owner, who is 86, has been unable to visit.

"You can't expect an 86-year-old to go the whole day without using the toilet," said Ms Webb.

Staff are hoping to raise money to replace the toilet partially supported by a crowdfunding campaign.

Ms Webb said the damage will cost about £10,000 to repair which will have to be covered by the sanctuary.

It comes just months after the sanctuary set up a separate crowdfund to improve the CCTV cameras at the facility following a break-in.

Two eagles were shot dead at the sanctuary in 2017 in an attack the owners called "absolutely mindless".

Gwent Police said there have been three separate reports of criminal damage at the sanctuary since 4 April.

Inspector Rich Tovey said the "mindless acts of vandalism" have had a negative impact on the community.

He added: "We are keen to hear from anyone who has information about any of these three reports to contact us and we will take action against those found to be responsible for this anti-social behaviour."

Blaenau Gwent council has been asked to comment.