Council’s £1.2 million plan so people can spend a penny in popular Northampton park

Councillors are being asked to approve spending £1.2 million so visitors to one of Northampton’s most popular parks can spend a penny.

Public loos and changing rooms in part of Abington Park were boarded up last year after being trashed by vandals. But a plan to be discussed by West Northamptonshire Council cabinet members on Tuesday (November 8) would see money from the community infrastructure levy used to demolish the existing block in the east side of the park and build a new one in a more visible location, making it less of a target for anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Phil Larratt, cabinet member for environment, transport, highways and waste, said: “Abington Park is a focal point for the town, and is well-loved by many across the county. By providing improved welfare facilities, appropriate to the setting, in a more convenient and open location, we can ensure that they meet the needs of visitors and discourage anti-social behavior.

"We are committed to work with our partners and residents to listen and respond to their views on our facilities.”

Friends of Abington Park and the local police crime prevention teams will be consulted over the new location although it will “not be too far” from the current building.

A report to be considered by the cabinet says that closing the building in 2021 has led to clubs using Abington Park football pitches to change either in public spaces or in their cars.

It says: “The lack of welfare provision has had a direct impact on income from paying park users.

"Teams are now looking at alterative venues to play rather than Abington Park. The resident Angling Club has nowhere close by to use, which is causing complaints.

The report added: “The current condition of the building creates a negative visual image of the park and to do nothing would not mitigate against future vandalism, thus retaining a safety risk.”

The Community Infrastructure Levy is charged on new developments in a council’s area and can be spent on a wide range of infrastructure — including transport, flood defences, schools, hospitals, and other health and social care facilities.