PEOPLE are using a social networking website to call for improvements to Ringwood’s “disgusting” |public toilets.

Jim Stride, who runs the Ringwood page on Facebook, posted: “We are going to the council to put pressure on for the immediate improvement of Ringwood's public toilets. Would you kindly add your comments so we can add to the pressure being applied?”

His post prompted a raft of replies, with Karen Ann James saying: “They are a disgrace to Ringwood and stink.”

Sonia Cracknell Thompson posted: “I cringe when my grandchildren say they need the |toilet. There was one time I had to use them. All I kept saying to my grandaughter was ‘don’t touch anything’. I put paper on the seat before I would let her sit on it. They are disgusting, and I am sure lots of people will agree.”

Dennis Whitfield mentions the new Ringwood Gateway plan, a £2million project to bring the district and town councils under one roof at the Furlong car park, which will also house toilets and a new tourist information centre.

But Mr Stride posted: “The Ringwood Gateway Building will not be completed for two years so, meanwhile, the current public toilets need improving.”

Kelly Louise Marks said: “Knock them down – they are awful. Anything else would be an improvement. I drove my kids home one day just to use the toilet, then drove back to town. Crazy, but it’s what a |mother has to do in this town and I know I am not the only mum to do it.”

Another member, Lynn Coleman, said: “They are |disgusting – who cleans them?

“I won’t use them, I have put a nappy on my little one who is toilet trained as there are no decent toilets or changing rooms in Ringwood.”

Sharon Jackson said users need to have respect for the facilities but need to be given a reason to do so.

She said: “They just need a really thorough clean, and then to be cleaned regularly.”

She added: “If they were cleaner, people might respect them more. We have also gone home early rather than use them, I have never seen them clean – awful for small kids.”

And Sally Walker Pinto said: “They are in desperate need of fixing up – they give the town a bad image.”

Richard Perfect said: “This is the first snapshot of Ringwood and it is a very poor one.

“I had to use the loos on Friday and it was a horrible experience. Someone had broken a light and there was broken glass all over the place.”