A concrete wall featuring a mural at Thornton public toilets was damaged this week, with Whakatāne District Council planning to repair it as a matter of urgency.

Manager of properties and facilities assets Paul Check said the circumstances that led to the building damage were not yet known, but based on the nature of the damage it appeared likely that a vehicle lost control and collided with the wall.

“The site was cleaned up quickly as these matters are always a priority. Public safety is of paramount importance to Whakatāne District Council, and there is awareness of the high public demand for these coastal toilet facilities.

“The wall will be repaired as a matter of urgency.”

The incident has been reported to Whakatāne police, who are looking into it, Acting Prevention Senior Sergeant James Renwick said.

“Police would appreciate the public's help to investigate the offending, which is believed to have occurred at some point overnight between June 18 and 19.”

He asked Thornton Beach Road residents with CCTV cameras that may have captured the incident or those involved, and any other members of the public with information that could help the investigation, to contact police via 105, quoting file number 250619/3305.