PUBLIC conveniences in Pendle are to be upgraded as part of a £126,000 refurbishment scheme.

The council's executive approved recommendations that 11 of the borough's public toilets should be upgraded.

Improvements would include providing both male and female facilities, access for the disabled, and hot and cold water.

Those included in the scheme are at Nelson bus station, Nelson market hall, Colne market hall, Barley, Brierfield Town Centre, Gisburn Road, in Barrowford, Laneshawbridge, Sough Park in Earby, Market Street in Nelson, Earby bus station, Victory Park in Barnoldswick, Colne bus station and Barnoldswick town centre.

A Best Value report into the council-run facilities showed that only two out of 23 were considered in good condition and that Pendle has an over-supply of conveniences compared to the national average -- one facility per 3,749 people.

Only half of the toilets can currently be used by the disabled.

Ian McInery, manager of the operational services, said: "The council recognises that users of public conveniences have the right to expect that all facilities provided should be in good condition and maintained to a satisfactory standard. In addition, those conveniences that

are in a poor condition give out the wrong message to both the local community and visitors to the borough."

As part of the plan, public conveniences will close in Knotts Lane, Colne, Letcliffe Park, subject to consultation with West Craven Area Committee and Barnoldswick Town Council, Victoria Park, following discussion with the bowling club and Marsden Park, in Nelson due to the poor facilities, misuse or vandalism or unrealistic cost of upgrading them.

Trawden Parish Council will be offered the chance to take over the Skipton Road convenience, while toilets at Ball Grove, in Colne, Newchurch, Station Hotel, in Earby, Albert Road, in Colne, and Salterforth will be retained.