COUNCILLORS have said that Wellington Town Council should “crack on” with plans to improve the public toilet facilities at the North Street car park.

The news comes after the council’s policy and finance committee were told that the possibility of extending the existing toilet block into the Wellington Playing Field to provide additional changing room space for AFC Wellington was a “no go”.

Councillors originally discussed improving public toilet facilities in the town last month where Cllr Andy Govier suggested the North Street loos could be extended to support the football club’s amenities.

But now the council’s policy and finance committee was told on March 9 that that idea had been given the thumbs-down after a site visit.

A report said: “Unfortunately, the land behind the toilets is densely populated with established trees, some of which may be protected. Also the roots of the nearby trees would be problematic for any build in that area in terms of drainage and foundations.

“There is also the issue of it being close to the entrance gate which could cause congestion on match days.”

The council’s chief executive Dave Farrow told councillors: “This option is not feasible and so we are asking the committee to approve the original proposal for the refurbishment of the toilets.”

The refurbishment plans include changing the doors to allow for a timed access locking system and also improve the appearance of the toilet block; to line the internal walls with a washable material to allow easy cleaning; and to remove the wash hand units and replace with basins and hand dryers.

Mr Farrow suggested the work be budgeted for and carried out in 2028/29 as part of a three-year programme of upgrading toilet facilities around the town.

Councillors had previously agreed for officers to explore other options for the use of the pavilion in the Wellington Recreation Ground and to carry out a roof survey to see if any remedial work was needed before any major refurbishment was carried out.

Top of the list of toilets to be improved will be in Wellington Park where refurbishment will take place during the 2026/27 financial year.

Cllr Justin Cole, speaking at the policy and finance committee on March 9, said: “We just need to crack on with this and review things again in April about the funding.”

Cllr John Thorne said he did “not accept” the report about the site visit at Wellington Playing Fields and extending the toilet block to create changing room facilities for the football club.

He said: “All projects are feasible and can be done – I do not think we should write this off just yet.”

Cllr Govier, who admitted he was not a “building expert” and had put forward the extension idea at a previous meeting, said: “There seems to be too many obstacles with this.”

Chief executive Mr Farrow said there was a “better option” at the other end of the clubhouse to improve facilities for the football club.