WORK to spruce up staff toilets at Witton Park’s cafe and open them to visitors is under way after current facilities were branded a ‘disgrace’.

The council acted following complaints about the toilets, based in a large portable hut, which have fallen into a derelict state.

Facilities for both ladies and gents in the pavilion are now being upgraded and opened to the public.

They had previously been for staff use only, leaving the 480 acre park with only one set of toilets.

Environment and leisure director at Blackburn with Darwen Council, Martin Eden, said: “The poor state of the existing toilet block in Witton Park has been recognised and there is currently work being undertaken to refurbish the male and female toilets in the pavilion.

“Unfortunately, they are not yet fully finished but when they are they will provide much improved facilities for park users.”

Environment chief, Cllr Jim Smith, added: “The original public toilets were closed for reasons of public health, and cost.

“The matter is in hand and I would appeal for people to be patient.

“The toilets in the new arena are not for public use, but we are refurbishing those in the pavilion for the public.”

A grandfather, who did not want to be named, described the current toilets’ state as a ‘disgrace’.

He said: “The council is encouraging people to use the park, and the whole place is full of kids and families, but the only public loo is in a portacabin.

“The gents’ toilet has no running water, the taps are rusted, and there are plants growing out the top of the water cistern.”