PUBLIC conveniences in Pendle may be upgraded with the installation of Superloos in Colne town centre - but the cost could flush the scheme down the pan.

Council bosses are keen to overhaul public convenience provision in the borough after admitting the current state of toilets was poor.

Top brass fear the poor condition of loos is sending out the wrong message to residents and visitors to the borough.

However, the automatic Superloos cost £87,000 each to buy plus £18,500 annual maintenance fees or £26,000 to lease for 15 years.

The units, which would be installed in the town centre and on Albert Road, would be fully automatic, include instructions in three languages, audio instructions and are vandal-resistant. Baby-changing facilities would also be available.

A Best Value report into the council-run facilities two years ago showed that only two out of 23 were considered in good condition and that Pendle had an over-supply of conveniences compared to the national average -- one facility per 3,749 people.

Vice-chairman of the Colne and District Committee Laurence Turner said: "This has come about because of the closure of public conveniences in Colne and will be considered at the meeting. We have received one quote for costs."

A report on the toilet plans will go before the Colne committee on Thursday.