APPLEBY Town Council is hoping to get the town's problematic public toilets reopened in time for the busy horse fair period.

The toilets at the Shire Hall have been closed since October last year after Eden District Council, which maintains the loos, received a number of complaints about the state of the conveniences, including a letter from Appleby Town Council, deeming them to be "unfit for public use."

Mayor of Appleby Coun Stan Rooke said that the toilets were vitally important, particularly during the busiest week in the town's calendar.

"Our two district concillors, Ella Langan and Keith Morgan, are continuing to press EDC to get the toilets open, even if only for fair week,"

said Coun Rooke.

A spokesman for EDC said the council was waiting for a response from CCC regarding the lease of the toilet building.

"Once the position with tenure has been clarified then Eden District Council can give consideration to a scheme of refurbishment. While we understand the urgency on behalf of Appleby Town Council we anticipate this may take a little time to resolve," he said.

Meanwhile, MP for Penrith and the Border David Maclean has urged Appleby Town Council to bear with EDC during its negotiations with CCC.

In a letter to the town council he said: "Rest assured I shall be keeping a close eye on the refurbishments and I will be encouraging EDC to open the newly-refurbished toilets as soon as possible.