BOOKWORMS have been suffering in silence for too long, according to campaigners calling for toilets to be built at Chorley's central library.

Borough councillor Ralph Snape has written to all county councillors in the area urging them to press for toilets at the Union Street building.

Toilets on the first floor are only available to those attending meetings. Other library users caught short have to leave the building to spend a penny.

Coun Snape said: "We should be encouraging people to use the library, not having toilets is off-putting to many users and in a public building of this importance they are essential.

"Several other similar libraries in Lancashire have good toilet provision, why does Chorley have to suffer?"

County councillor Ed Forshaw said: "The library needs toilets. The nearest public conveniences are at the market which is quite a distance for an elderly person to go out to."

Customers using the library agreed with the need for toilets.

Teenager Stacey Hesketh, from Clayton-le Woods, said: "I spend hours at a time here doing research and revision for my college course, so not having toilets is a disgrace."

Richard Williams, of Clayton View, Coppull, added: "It is too far to go to the market toilets for many people. I find it strange that a building used by so many people is lacking in basic facilities."

A spokesperson for the county council said: "We are aware of requests to install public toilets at Chorley Library.

"However, due to the cost of such a facility there are no plans at present. The library service has a limited budget which needs to resource the 84 libraries across Lancashire.

"This issue has been discussed with the cabinet member and we are looking into ways to find additional revenue."