WATER flooding from a doorway alerted a council worker to a fire in a cubicle at a Peebles public toilet.

On Sunday night, a Scottish Borders Council (SBC) foreman was completing his rounds, closing the shutters, when he found water pouring out of the Edinburgh Road car park toilets.

The SBC worker said that when he entered the building it was full of smoke due to the toilet rolls being on fire.

This had spread to the plastic toilet roll holders and and started on the cubicle walls.

By the time two fire appliances and the police attended the foreman had extinguished the fire.

On Monday morning SBC’s cleansing team cleaned down the walls and replaced the toilet roll holders with metal ones.

In addition the usually paid for toilets had the money collection machine turned off, so the door could be left open to dissipate the smell of the fire.

Craig Blackie, SBC’s parks and environment manager contacted Tweeddale East councillor Julie Pirone and said: “This is another example of mindless vandalism in the town.

“This is extremely disappointing not only in the time spent having to dealing with these issues but also the associated cost to undertake the necessary remedial works.

“Our property officer, Gareth Smith, will arrange any remedial works, but please note depending upon his findings, these toilets may have to be closed until works can be undertaken.”

Ms Pirone said: “I am dismayed by this thoughtless and needless vandalism at the Eastgate car park toilets.

“This mindless act just means that the council has to spend money undoing the damage and it takes the facility out of use for the people of the town and the many visitors who will be visiting us over Easter.

“To those who carried out these acts on Sunday: this is your town.

“Please stop and think about others and the repercussions this may have.

“I am also in discussions with the police about this matter in a bid to stamp this behaviour out.”

A manhunt has been launched by police over the incident.

Police Constable Vivienne Carlsey, of Peebles police office, said: “A plastic toilet holder, along with the toilet paper, was set on fire deliberately.

“Thankfully, the fire was discovered quickly, as this could have caused significant damage.

“We are keen to trace a man who was seen entering the building.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting crime number 3217 of Sunday, April 2.