VISITORS to Vickersway Park have won a promise of action to address their concerns over the condition of the park toilets.

Northwich Town Council is to draw up plans and costings for new park toilets, with a view to them being built before the summer.

The proposed scheme would be funded by money earmarked originally by the council to buy land to create a green burial site next to Dane Valley Cemetery.

Because of the increasing costs of the scheme town clerk Chris Shaw recommended putting the project on hold and going ahead with the purchase of the land at the present time.

“We have sufficient land at Dane Valley to continue with burials for the next 40 years within our existing cemetery, so this will not affect any of our bereavement services,” he said.

Mr Shaw had placed £20,000 into the council’s earmarked reserve to cover the cost of the land purchase, but was now recommending the funds were transferred to build the new toilets.

“Visitors to the park have said the toilets in the park are very old and not safe due to their positon,” he said.

“The new toilets would be situated alongside the shop, and be fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, with baby change.”

Councillors agreed to not proceed with the land purchase at present and use the money allocated for the purchase for the toilets.

Mr Shaw is to present plans and costings to next month’s council meeting.

The original cost to buy the land for the green burial site was £15,000, but has since risen to almost £25,000.

“The sale would be conditional on the land boundary having a stock-proof fence, hedge and a 15-foot gate being installed,” said Mr Shaw.

“In addition to this Cheshire West and Chester Council now want the ground levelled with a hard core along the hedgerow marked black. We would also be responsible for all professional fees.

“Taking into account the increase in costs I am recommending we put this project on hold and not proceed with the purchase of this land at the present time.”