DARWEN MP Janet Anderson has panned the borough council for offering sub-standard loos in Darwen when Blackburn boasts award winning facilities.

The criticism follows complaints by users of Darwen's only public conveniences.

"I can only describe them as urinals," said Mrs Anderson "They are in a terrible state and need gutting and replacing."

The MP sent a letter to Blackburn Borough Council a month ago asking for immediate action - but only a couple of toilet seats have been replaced.

She complained: "Blackburn's toilets are immaculate and what's good enough for Blackburn is good enough for Darwen. The way things are at the moment there may as well not be any public toilets in the town."

During a special visit to the facilities Mrs Anderson found both the male and female toilets in a bad state of repair - a stark contrast from the award winning council-run toilets in Blackburn.

She said they looked grotty, the baby changing facility were impossible to use and the only way to get access to the disabled toilets was to get a key from the male toilets because there is no longer a female attendant.

But the council denies it gives preferential treatment to Blackburn's lavatories.

A spokesman said: "There has been a shake-up of the service recently to improve efficiency and there are no permanent attendants at the toilets. However we do not accept there is a problem. We have mobile attendants who make regular inspections of the toilets and always take prompt action when we get complaints.

"We do accept their is a need for refurbishment and when the money is available we hope to make improvements."

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