VISITORS to Shaftesbury’s Bell Street public toilets are being warned to come prepared after repeated thefts have left the facilities without toilet roll.

Shaftesbury Town Council says it has been forced to temporarily remove toilet roll from the cubicles following a spate of incidents in which rolls were stolen and dispensers damaged.

The toilets remain open during their normal hours, but for now users will need to make alternative arrangements while the council waits for more secure toilet roll holders to arrive, along with replacement stock.

The thefts have been reported to police. The council is urging anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour or theft at the site to report it directly to officers.

While the move may cause inconvenience for residents and visitors, the council has stressed that the measure is only temporary and that normal provision will be restored as soon as possible.

The Bell Street toilets are a well-used facility in the town centre, particularly for shoppers and tourists.

The council has thanked the public for its understanding while it works to resolve the issue.

In the meantime, those planning a trip into town may want to double-check they have everything they need.