Labour councillors have proposed £10k of money unspent from the council's leisure budget be put into refurbishing the toilet block in West Bank Park. The
call comes only months after Holgate councillors called on the council to stump
up money for the same purpose after highlighting the incredibly poor state of the public conveniences. Holgate councillor Sonja Crisp, Chair of the Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion Advisory Panel, said:

"I'm absolutely delighted that we were able to secure the £10k to be used for the refurbishment of West Bank Park toilets, subject to the approval of the Executive. West Bank Park is a Green Flag Park and is very well used but unfortunately the state of the toilets lets it down somewhat (see attached).

"There are some excellent county standard bowling greens in the park which are used regularly but it doesn't reflect well on the city when clubs from all over the country come along for a match and are faced with using the grim toilets we have currently. So, this is wonderful news for the Bowls Club.
Shadow Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion, Coun. Janet Looker said:

"Both Coun. Crisp and I felt that if there was an opportunity to put some money into sorting out the toilets, which had failed to attract any funding from anywhere else, then we should take it. The park is a marvellous place save for this toilet block so I'm extremely pleased with the decision".

Coun. Crisp added:

"This news will be especially welcomed by the Friends of West Bank Park who work so hard to keep the park looking so beautiful all year round and last but not least, the residents of York, who come along to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the park daily".

Coun. Crisp said the recommendation would now have to be approved by the Executive, after which officers would be able to progress the project.