AN ABANDONED toilet block in Thornbury has been touted as 'overflowing with character' by auctioneers hoping to attract potential buyers for the padlocked loo.

The Quaker Lane facilities fell into a state of such disrepair over the past few years that town leaders, who rented the loos from the local authority, were left with no choice, they said, but to give up their lease on the premises in April 2012.

This sparked outrage from campaigners, appalled to see Thornbury left with no public toilets in the evenings or at weekend following the closure of the Castle Court automated facilities.

Thornbury councillors estimated the cost of refurbishing the block would reach £50,000 - a sum they could ill afford.

The loos have now been placed on the market at a guide price of £10,000 and agent Country Property has spared no praise on the derelict building describing it as "a glittering example of late Victorian toilets, overflowing with character with no upward chain" on their website. A similar blurb appears on auctioneers Auction House's webpage.

The signs placed on the 20ft by 18ft brick structure lauding its architectural features have not gone unnoticed in the town.

Joan Hall, who led the campaign to provide working public toilets in the town, told the Gazette: "People have noticed the signs on the toilet. One of the signs talks about it being a Victorian toilet, which is not true.

"It talks about it having architectural features. Just the wording is worth having a look at."

It is unclear whether it would reopen and once again be used as a toilet or whether it would be refurbished and transformed into a small shop or café.

This brick block will be sold at auction by Auction House at Thornbury Castle on Wednesday, October 16 (7pm).