A NURSE who lives in Silsden has urged Bradford Council to consider the health implications of the town's lack of public toilet provision.

Ingrid Shearer, who has lived in Silsden for at least 15 years, said it was unacceptable that a town of this size no longer has this accessible facility.

She warned this situation has left elderly people and those with particular types of illnesses especially vulnerable.

And she has been backed by Craven ward councillor Adrian Naylor, who pointed out that Silsden is expected to take an additional 1,200 homes, meaning its population could expand by at least another 4,000 people.

Cllr Naylor also said that the toilets in Silsden Town Hall are currently only available during the day for part of the week, whenever library staff are on hand to let people through the security door.

Ms Shearer, 60, said: "This is a health and safety issue, which is putting people in discomfort.

"I also don't think its right for a parent with young children to have to squat behind a tree in the park because there are no toilets anywhere.

"Or for someone to hope that a pub might allow them to use its own toilet. It is backward, and it isn't right in 2016.

"It's not like I'm asking for something fancy like a leisure centre.

"Just how much would it cost to have public toilets in a town this size? Even if people have to pay a small amount to use the toilets, that would be something."

Councillor Val Slater, Bradford Council's deputy leader, said: "Unfortunately councils no longer have the resources to look after public toilets as they once did due to Government cuts.

“Some local groups and parish councils are doing a marvellous job taking over the running of public toilets and are to be commended for their community spirit.

“This is an issue which could be passed on to Silsden Town Council.”

Cllr Naylor pointed out that Silsden Town Council had already looked in detail at what it would cost for it to try and operate the now disused local toilet block in the car park of the Punch Bowl pub, but could not go ahead due to the costs involved.

This block was closed by Bradford Council in April 2015.

Cllr Naylor said the limited opening times of the library in Silsden Town Hall means that the toilet in this building is only available for part of the week.

He said that if the library is successfully transferred from being a Bradford Council run facility to a community run library it could not be assumed that this new arrangement would continue to allow public access to the toilet.

He added: "I'd agree that it's a ridiculous state of affairs for us to have public buildings where the public can't use the toilets.

"Silsden is expected to receive another 1,200 houses under Bradford Council's plans, which could mean another four to five thousand people. And yet we're having facilities taken away."