COUNCILLORS have been told that Haltwhistle’s dilapidated toilets will not be given a facelift.

For the second year running, town and parish councils across the district are being asked to fund Northumberland County Council’s management of the much-used facilities during the winter months.

Earlier this month, Haltwhistle Town Council called for assurances that the toilet block on Westgate would be refurbished or rebuilt, before agreeing to pay the £2,000 bill. Members said they were embarrassed by the unsavoury condition of the toilets.

But this week, a county council spokesman said: “Haltwhistle Town Council, along with other town and parish councils, made a contribution last year towards the cost of keeping their toilets open during the winter, and we can confirm that the same arrangements can be made this year.

“Unfortunately there are no plans to refurbish or rebuild the toilets in Haltwhistle. Providing public toilets is not a statutory function of local authorities and while we acknowledge that they form an important service for visitors and residents, in the current financial climate it is unlikely that we can sustain or improve the current provision without local support.”

Speaking on Monday, town council chairman Coun. Alan Sharp said: “It’s very disappointing to hear that there are no plans to make improvements to the toilets here.

“Businesses and organisations in this town work hard to promote Haltwhistle as a destination for tourists, and public conveniences are absolutely essential. ”