Concern has been raised about the condition of public toilet facilities in Kirkby Stephen.
Complaints have been made by members of the public about the unsanitary nature of the ladies toilets which are situated at Stoneshot, a meeting of the town council heard.
Town clerk Christian Barnes, in an email to Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “At Kirkby Stephen Town Council’s last meeting councillors were told that Stoneshot ladies toilet managed by Westmorland and Furness council continued to be a problem.
Mr Barnes added: “Many reports of mess and unemptied sanitary bins have been received.”
Adrian Waite, a town and Westmorland and Furness councillor, has taken the matter up with officers at the unitary authority who are responsible for cleaning and maintenance contracts.
“Our councillors agreed that the current situation was unacceptable and needed to be dealt with and I have been tasked with raising it with Westmorland and Furness
Council on the council’s behalf. Please could we ask that the situation regarding the running of these facilities is improved?
“I have received numerous complaints from residents here at Local Links and visitors (via the Upper Eden Visitor Information Centre) as to the condition and neglect of the facilities,” said Mr Barnes.
While discussing the issue, councillors felt that issues such as baby changing facilities and the potential for changing rooms needed to be addressed by Westmorland and Furness Council and that the toilets were dated and showing their age.
A spokeswoman for Westmorland and Furness Council said: “Officers are actively working to resolve the issues at the Kirkby Stephen public toilets to ensure they are clean, well-maintained, and welcoming for all visitors.
“In addition, a comprehensive audit of all council-owned public conveniences is currently under way.
“This will help us assess their condition and identify any improvements needed to enhance the facilities across the area.”
A statement of Westmorland and Furness Council’s website states: “We try to keep all our toilets clean and in good working order. If you’re unhappy with the condition of any of our toilets contact us by emailing prop.serv@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.”
Westmorland and Furness Council was approached by the Herald for comment.
