The Care Quality Commission report into Calderstones is deeply disturbing.

Numerous problems at the Whalley-based NHS trust have been identified including dirty wards, out-of-date medicine and failures in relation to the Mental Health Act.

The most shocking of all however is the criticism that excessive force has been overused in the face-down restraint of patients.

This particular criticism gives an impression of unacceptable brutality.

No doubt dealing with court processed offenders with learning difficulties or other mental problems is a very tough job for the staff.

But despite an inherently challenging environment physical force is something that ought to be brought into play only when there is a genuine danger to staff or patients.

Bosses talk about positive aspects of the report but to the layman it all seems to pale compared to the damning criticisms.

Chief executive Mark Hindle says he has put in an action plan to address the failings but the only true reassurance that things are moving forward has to come from the CQC.

If on return inspection standards are still unacceptable drastic measures will have to be brought in.