WALKERS on the Hadrian's Wall route - north of Carlisle - have been relieving themselves behind walls and hedges because there are no public toilets.

Residents in Burgh-by-Sands and Beaumont along the route were so incensed by the problem that they have installed portable toilets to prevent walkers from urinating on green spaces and - in some cases - in people's gardens.

County and city councillor Trevor Allison has stepped forward to support Burgh-by-Sands and Beaumont parish councils with the hire of portable toilets.

He said: "Faeces behind walls/hedges is pretty objectionable.

"Both Burgh-By-Sands and Beaumont parishes are on the Hadrian’s Wall Walk.

"It is very popular during the walking season involving distances of several miles a day - but there are no public toilets along the route.

"Sadly, not everyone calls in at the local pub for a meal and uses their toilets - such as the pub at Burgh-By-Sands."

And Mr Allison said this is not the first time the problem has been raised.

He said: "The issue of people going behind the walls and hedges along the route to use as public toilets near settlements was raised a few years ago at Burgh-by-Sands parish council. As their county councillor I had also been approached myself on this issue.

"The parish council decided to install a portable toilet in a prominent position on the car park of The Green with a box inviting those who use it to make a contribution.

"When I was first elected as a councillor I decided to give over my member’s allowance to help address community issues and I am happy to continue to do this as long as I remain a councillor.

"The parish council, for their part, make up the balance and welcome any contributions from elsewhere.

"Beaumont parish council, faced with the same issue, followed their neighbours and provided a portable toilet. I am happy to give them the same support as at Burgh-by-Sands."

But Mr Allison believes the toilets should really be funded by a tourist organisation.

He said: "In my view this should be funded by a tourist organisation, with facilities along the entire route, but in the absence of that this seems a sensible solution.

"My understanding is that it is not so much of an issue since the portable toilets have been installed."

Beaumont Parish Council declined to comment when contacted by The Cumberland News.