INVESTIGATIONS have been launched across the county after it was discovered several prominent East Lancashire locations – including leisure centres, a town hall and gyms – are being used as meet-up spots for male sex, a website claims.

An investigation conducted by the Lancashire Telegraph has found that The Mall in Blackburn, Blackburn Library in Town Hall Street, ASDA in Rawtenstall, Padiham Town Hall toilets and Hyndburn Leisure Centre are among the many places listed on a website designed to arrange sexual encounters for men.

Other prominent locations listed include Blackburn Railway Station, Accrington Market Hall and bus station, Clitheroe Auction Mart and PureGym in Colne.

Council and business bosses have now spoken out about the ‘disturbing’ findings, confirming investigations will be launched into how their venues ended up on the popular website.

Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said his priority is to ensure the safety of all facility users.

He said: “It is disturbing to hear that these public places have been listed on a website for this kind of behaviour. It is a concern and all of the relevant bodies will be made aware of this so they can look out for individuals who might be engaging in particular behaviour. The internet is a big place and it can be difficult to police what is put where, but the relevant people will be looking into why these listings are appearing and if it is possible to get them removed.”

Dominic Harrison, Director of Public Health and Wellbeing at Blackburn with Darwen Council, which takes charge of the library, said there are ‘strong protocols in place to prevent inappropriate behaviour.’

Bosses at Clitheroe Auction Mart also confirmed an investigation will be taking place.

Users are asked to sign up with a profile before they can start setting up meetings with others in their area. A section on the forum labelled ‘cruising’ informs members about popular locations to meet for sex with tips on the best times to visit the venue, and how best to attract a partner.

Cruising, also known as cottaging, is a slang term defined as the act of searching a public place in pursuit of a partner, usually a stranger, for sex.

There is also a specific tab where users can find out if a public bathroom has viewing capacity.

Both the public toilets located next to Padiham Town Hall and the restrooms in Blackburn Library have previously been subject to controversy following the discovery they were spots where strangers met for sex.

In 2011, a man was charged over ‘sexual activity’ in the public toilets located close to the children’s section in Blackburn Library.

The public toilets next to Padiham Town Hall have also been shut down in the past following complaints that men were using them for unacceptable sexual conduct.

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Spokesmen for Lancashire County Council, Blackburn Mall, PureGym and ASDA all confirmed that there are rigorous procedures in place to ensure this kind of activity does not take place.

Loraine Jones, General Manager at The Mall Blackburn, said: “There have been no reports regarding this type of activity in The Mall Blackburn.

"We employ a full time attendant who checks all facilities along with our security patrols who also carry out regular inspections.

"All staff have undergone rigorous training to identify a wide variety of potential issues and we work closely with the police and other organisations to share information and knowledge.”