ACTION is being taken to stop squirrels from invading the toilets at Wellington Park.

Wellington Town Council’s environment committee heard on June 18 that the damaged roof on the toilet block was giving squirrels easy access.

The council’s open spaces manager, Darren Hill, said the squirrels were getting through the felt into the building.

“The roof has got holes in and a few tiles have come off,” he said. “The squirrels have been getting in and they’ve been chewing wires and although we’ve got them out, we’ve only put in a temporary fix. The roof needs attention as it is letting in water.”

Cllr Mark Lithgow quipped: “Are we providing alternative toilet facilities for the squirrels?”

Committee chairman, Cllr Chris Booth, added: “I’m sure the squirrels were removed from the toilet block safely!”

The mayor, Cllr Janet Lloyd, ruffled a few feathers among the councillors when she proclaimed: “Squirrels are pests – big rats with fluffy tails!”

Councillors agreed to spend more than £4,000 on repairing the damaged roof with new felt and battens and replacement tiles. The work would also involve fitting chicken wire to prevent further damage from squirrels.

The project would also include cleaning the moss from the roof and removing any tree debris, as well as clearing gutters and pipes.

Work will be carried out on repairing ceilings inside the toilet block and repair damaged doors.

Mr Hill said: “These basic works are required to repair damage and to avoid further deterioration and leaks.”

But he suggested that the council might want to look at an overall scheme of improvements to the Wellington Park toilets, plus the public loos in the North Street car park.

Mr Hill reassured councillors that the park toilets would remain open for use while the works were being carried out.