Surveillance increased as toilets ‘deliberately flooded’

Surveillance is being increased at Stormont due “deliberate flooding” in the toilets, according to an email seen by the BBC sent to staff this week.

In the email, the director of corporate services said there had been a “number of incidents” and described it as “a serious matter that could compromise the safety and operational use”.

A spokesperson for the assembly confirmed the flooding incidents and said they have been “handled quickly and fortunately, to date,” with no damage being caused.

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) assembly member Timothy Gaston said the incidents showed a “total lack of respect” to the building’s cleaning staff and the “institution itself”.

Gaston said the flooding was happening in areas that are only open to assembly pass holders and not open to the public.

He said sinks have been blocked and taps left running, even though the sinks do not have plugs.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s The Nolan Show, Gaston said when he told cleaning staff they replied: “Not again.”

Gaston described it as a “mindless act of vandalism”.

“I find this absolutely disgraceful. Parliament is supposed to be the seat of government in Northern Ireland, not a playground for vandalism,” Gaston said.

In the email sent to staff, people have been asked if they witness any damage being caused, whether intentional or accidental to report it to the building services team.

It also outlined that surveillance was being increased “across all floors”.