Back at the beginning of May Fratton Big Local unveiled the latest transformation to Kingston Rec. Following its extensive consultation with local people new additions like a double zip wire and a water play area have been added. The transformation was made possible through local grants ensuring the £300,000 met local demands.

 

After adding the new areas its clear that more investment must now be made to ensure the Rec can be used by as many local people as possible. This must include public toilets and the potential of a cafe area.

Local campaigner Nikki Coles has started a petition on behalf of the users of the Rec to campaign for public toilets to be back on site.

“After numerous conversations about lack of nearby toilet facilities at Kingston Rec I set up the petition for the users to have their say and show support for getting them back. The Rec has been brilliantly  transformed and is now a go to place for many people not just in Fratton but across the city. Having toilet facilities back onsite will mean that people can stay longer to enjoy this great space.“

“It is regrettable that many are avoiding the refurbished park or leaving early because of the lack of any toilet facilities. It is clear that the decision to close and demolish the toilets at the rec that the Liberal Democrats took in 2013 was a shortsighted one and the people of Fratton deserve better. Providing toilets for the users of the park is an urgent need in the area, though the council will, of course, need to take any concerns local businesses and residents may have around possible misuse.”

Tom has already written to his other ward councillors to seek support in using some of the CIL money available to Fratton residents to make this possible. Seal money is given by developers to help improve local infrastructure and can only be used on improvements such as this.