MALMESBURY people are calling for new public toilets to be built near the Station Yard car park after the existing toilets were branded a disgrace.

More than 242 people have signed a petition calling for better facilities saying the present toilets at Cross Hayes were 'disgusting and diabolical'.

They said it was a disgrace that visitors to the town should have to use public toilets in such poor condition.

Reeds Farm resident, Helen Baker who started the petition, said: It's simply horrendous there is only one set of toilets in Malmesbury."

Both residents and shoppers from outlying villages who visit the Tetbury Hill side of Malmesbury are currently forced to walk about up the steep Abbey Steps into the town centre to find public toilets.

Miss Baker set up a table outside the Somerfield supermarket, in Tetbury Hill, on Saturday morning and collected 242 signatures from residents who agreed extra toilets were desperately needed near the Station Yard.

The construction of toilets, at a cost of £100,000, is currently being considered by North Wiltshire District Council.

Mother of two, Julie Sheppard, said: I've got small children. What are you supposed to do in this area if they want the toilet?"

Albert Mattison of Malmesbury said: If you park in the Station Yard, you have to walk about half a mile into town to find a toilet. It makes life very difficult if you're elderly or disabled."