A petition to ensure hundreds of early-morning runners in Lister Park, Bradford, are able to spend a penny is gathering pace.

Liz Boothman, who regularly takes part in the 5k Parkrun on Saturday mornings, has petitioned Bradford Council over the lack of public toilets at the award-winning park.

There are toilets in the museum and boat house cafe – but these are only open from 11am at the earliest on weekends.

In addition there is a public block a the Oak Lane entrance to the park, but it has been closed down due to vandalism, leaving runners out in the cold.

Mrs Boothman told the Telegraph & Argus: “I started my petition for toilets in Lister Park as they are currently unavailable until 11am at the earliest on Saturdays.

“More than 300 park runners turn up each Saturday at 9am and have nowhere to go. Other park users, especially those with young children and those who use the courts, are also in need of facilities.”

She said desperate runners have resorted to using the bushes, but are hoping the Council will take action to provide the facilities.

The online petition will run until June 8. It can be found at bradford.gov.uk/bmdc/consultations/epetitions.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: 2The toilets inside the Oak Lane entrance to Lister Park are free and are open daily from 8.30am from April to October. They have been closed due to vandalism but are now back in use.”

But Mrs Boothman said her petition would still run, as while this would help runners this summer it was not a permanent solution.

Parkrun organises free, weekly, 5k timed runs around the world.

They are open to everyone with people of every ability encouraged to take part. The Bradford run in Lister Park celebrated its fourth anniversary at the weekend.