Mould, broken locks, and dirty walls are among the signs of neglect at Brampton's public toilets.

Community leaders in the town say they are "disgusted" at the state of the toilet block off Main Street and are calling for something to be done to upgrade them.

Parish council chairman David Moorat delivered a presentation at the authority's latest meeting to show members what he had come across on a recent visit to the public facility.

In the men's toilets rubbish had been thrown at a window from the inside, there were broken lights and locks on the cubical doors, as well as a burned out, moulding hand dryer.

He also pointed out that the padlocked metal gates at the entrance - installed to reduce vandalism - make it look more like a prison than a toilet block.

"Our parishioners and our visitors deserve better than this," he said.

The women's toilets, he added, were not as bad but he said the baby changing facilities were "disgustingly filthy".

In comparison Mr Moorat visited the public toilets in The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle, which he said were "absolutely delightful and hygienically clean".

He said he did not want his authority to take over responsibility of the toilets, but wanted to highlight the state they were in.

Councillor Angie Findon said: "It is a disgrace and the city council has a duty to the public to do something about it."

Councillor Cliff Lewis added: "This is clearly a health and safety issue. Why don't we ask the health department to come and inspect the toilets?"

A spokeswoman for Carlisle City Council, which is responsible for the facility, said: “The toilets at Brampton are inspected and cleaned on a daily basis.

"Planned maintenance works are also undertaken on a regular basis. However, this facility has been prone to a high level of vandalism for many years.

"Most recently a sink and hand drying unit was burned out and this is in the process of being replaced.

"Door locks have also been broken and were replaced as quickly as practically possible. We are happy to discuss any concerns direct with Brampton parish council.”

At the time of the meeting, on November 28, Mr Moorat had not raised the issue with Carlisle City Council.