Car parks and public toilets in Lewes were called "basic facilities maintained in a basic way" by Government inspectors.

On a scale of nought to three, nought being poor, the Audit Commission gave Lewes District Council's local amenities service a rating of one.

A commission report released on Friday said parks, public toilets, children's play areas and parking facilities in Lewes were fair but needed improving.

Audit inspector Pamela Wharfe said: "The council has successfully identified many of the operational weaknesses in these services.

"However, improvements tend to be small, will not be apparent for some time and often depend on further planning taking place.

"We would like the council to be clearer about what these services are for, how they meet the needs of local people and visitors and what standards users should expect."

The report recommended improving public information signs and actively promoting sports. It also advised addressing cleanliness, litter, vandalism and graffiti at local amenities which are below standard.

Although some sites did not make the grade, the report noted some examples of high-quality groundskeeping in parks, formal gardens, cemeteries and at Seaford Head Golf Course.

Lewes councillor Liz Lee, Cabinet member for community issues, said: "We have taken on board the recommendations made by the inspectors and will work within our existing resources to improve services wherever we can.

"The improvement plans for signage and public feedback are well under way.

"We are also working with groups of young people to assess their needs."