Park users in Swindon have urged a parish council to consider reinstating the public toilets ahead of the busy summer period.

Commenters on Facebook have complained about about the lack of facilities at GWR Park near the town centre, especially as there are no public toilets nearby. They say anybody wanting to spend the day at the park or families with young children may end up having to walk quite far - or go home - to use a toilet.

As Swindon’s oldest public park, first used as a cricket pitch in 1844, it has seen many changes over the years, including the planting of a Blossom Circle of trees and an updated programme of spring and summer activities held regularly in Faringdon Road.

More recently, the SSEN electrical substation underwent roof repairs at the end of last year and it has been transformed with a colour mural as part of a community painting initiative, bringing vibrancy to the area and celebrating Swindon.

But residents have suggested these improvements are redundant without access to basic facilities.  

One person commented: “The GWR Park is looking magnificent, it’s good to see it being used as a venue for sport and relaxation by the community. There were large numbers enjoying the open space this evening.

“But are we expecting too much from them – should they find a need for a comfort break there are no toilet facilities. I saw three men heading for the tree line and one gentleman adjusting his clothing as he returned from behind the sub station recently decorated with murals.

"Facilities need to be provided if we expect people to conduct themselves properly and make sure the park is a welcoming place to be. Urgent action is required.”

Other people commented to say they agreed the public bathrooms should be reinstated, pointing out that there used to be one open years ago and the old block was still there, which could be reopened, but it seemed to have been closed indefinitely.

A spokesperson from South Swindon Parish Council said: “The toilets were closed before the parish council inherited the park back in 2019.

"Since the parish council have taken on the park, we have delivered significant improvements and more features that have transformed the space and made the park more popular.

"We do not have any current plans to reopen the toilets but will keep this under review.”