PUBLIC toilets in Barnard Castle will stay closed for the time being - despite a campaign to have them in use for summer visitors and market traders.

A petition was handed to Teesdale District Council this week, asking it to reverse the decision to shut the toilets, in Market Place, to save £4,500 a year.

But the petition, which was signed by traders who attend a market every Wednesday and those who have stalls at the monthly farmers' market, was ignored by the council.

Mike Dennis, the chief governance officer, explained that it could not be considered because the decision to close the toilets was taken less than six months ago.

He said the only way it could be looked at would be if six councillors signed a formal notice of motion. If that was accepted by the full council, the possibility of reversing the decision could be considered.

At this stage, no further comment could be made, Mr Dennis said.

Councillor Newton Wood, who has campaigned for the toilets to be reopened, said yesterday:

"I am saddened about this because a piece of bureaucracy means the conveniences will have to stay closed for now.

"They are needed now more than ever because we have more visitors coming to the town.

"They are also needed by the traders. Both markets are held close to this site and the stallholders have to walk a considerable distance to the next nearest conveniences in the town's main car park."

He said he will continue the fight to have the amenity brought back into use as quickly as possible.

Attempts will be made to have a notice of motion signed, so the matter can be debated.

Coun Wood added: "We are not talking about a vast sum of money here. I feel the toilets should be opened in the meantime until we have a chance of discussing them again."