A grandmother is furious at the state of public toilets in Silsden.

Shelagh Binns, of St John's Street, Silsden, discovered the appalling state of the town's park toilets while she was out with her six-year-old grandson. "He needed to use the toilet and it was so disgusting that he would not use it," she says.

In a letter to Silsden parish council Mrs Binns suggests a portable-cabin toilet would be better than the present situation. "I was told by a resident that the girls' toilet was locked and unuseable," she writes.

Mrs Binns says the state of the toilets is of particular concern because they are needed more at this time of year because of the school holidays. She adds: "I am aware of vandalism that exists and I know the council must face many difficulties but this is of paramount importance."

Cllr Paul Bromley, chairman of Silsden parish council, says: "I'm becoming more of the opinion that the best thing is to level both toilets and see if Bradford council will put up one combined toilet. As fast as the council man leaves, the toilets are smashed."

Cllr Elizabeth Smith adds that the situation is the same in the town centre. She says: "They are a total disgrace. There is no way people will take children into the toilets."

A spokesman for Bradford council says: "The toilets in the park are cleaned daily and should be kept in a good condition. However, we will now be making a site visit to inspect them and will liaise with the police if there is any evidence of vandalism."

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