A NUMBER of public toilets across Teesdale face closure under council proposals.

If approved, the loos at Toft Hill, Butterknowle, Hamsterley, Eggleston, and Staindrop could be axed.

A report by Teesdale District Council has said that the toilets are little used and suffer repeated vandalism.

Councillor Newton Wood said: "It was recommended that the toilets should close but we are asking for details of how much they cost to run and maintain.

"If they did stay open, half of the costs would have to be met by the parish councils."

The report sets out the possibility of a welcome scheme, encouraging businesses to allow visitors to use their facilities.

Improvements to facilities in Middleton-in-Teesdale, and Barn-ard Castle, are also being considered in the proposals.