Sir, As a lifelong lover, visitor and for 15 years owner of a static caravan, in Gods' own country', I am becoming increasingly concerned at the diabolical state of a large number of the toilet facilities provided for visitors and embarrassed on behalf of my country, when I meet foreign visitors struggling with the problems.

On a recent stay of one week commencing Easter Monday, we (self and husband) had reason to use toilets in central Ambleside car park, Cartmel, Hest Bank, Arnside prom and Milnthorpe Market Square.

l Ambleside car park visited twice, before and after shopping trip. First visit poor, wet dirty floor in spite of dry day, dirty wash basins and toilet pans. Second visit, two units would have required paddling shoes, all but one unit unflushable with excrement floating and very smelly.

l Cartmel Of the two cubicles one was completely swimming and neither had a scrap of toilet paper. Pity the poor person with an urgent need!

l Hest Bank Words fail me, I always hope I won't need to visit. Uncollected fly infested rubbish, very wet floor, little paper, impossible to negotiate entrance and exit without clothing contacting dirty pans.

l Arnside Some improvement since last upgrade but remains dismal, smelly, wet and generally unhygienic.

l Milnthorpe The best of the lot but still leaving considerable room for improvement.

I have not mentioned the ever-present problem of graffiti which affects all to a greater or lesser degree, but surely with the amount of tourist money coming into the park some thought should be given to tackling the problems of better standards in providing this basic human need.

Countries abroad can do it Motorway Services can do it. Why can't the Lake District?

Mrs J. Ball Macclesfield