A BLACKBURN grandmother is launching a campaign to improve the toilet facilities in local parks.

Christine Rostron was disgusted when she visited Corporation Park with some of her grandchildren to find the toilets nearest the children's play area locked and the only available ones, near Preston New Road, dark, dirty and under water.

"There's no way you would take children in there," said Christine, of Mosley Street, Blackburn, who has 12 grandchildren.

"There are some by the bowling green at Queen's Park but they are locked."

Christine plans to contact her local councillors about the situation and start a petition to improve the facilities.

"I thought ,instead of moaning about it I should do something. It's important for children and elderly people. "Even if they opened them in the summer and locked them at night time and in winter, it would be better."

Tom Wilson, head of outdoor amenities at Blackburn Council, said there were problems with vandalism at park toilets, so the Queen's Park toilets and Corporation Park bowling green toilets were only opened when staff were present, usually between 9am and 4pm.

The Corporation Park toilets near the play area were usable but only opened for special events. The Preston New Road ones were open 24 hours and cleaned daily but vandalism was a problem.

"I've spoken to Mrs Rostron and she's quite right, there is room for improvement," he said.

"We want people to visit the park and have every intention of providing a better facility."

Porcelain fittings have been replaced with stainless steel to prevent vandals smashing them and police informed.

He said the council could not afford a full-time attendant or more frequent cleaning but the toilets may be refurbished and fitted with security devices in next year's budget.

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