IDEAS mooted to build a splash park and revamp an old toilet block in Fordingbridge could be shelved due to the costs of the projects.

Proposals were previously discussed by councillors as part of talks on the future of the Recreation Ground. They were discussed again last week by Fordingbridge Town Council’s amenities and general purposes committees.

Cllr Mike Jackson said the splash park was “lovely in theory” but the costs were “astronomical”. Quotes for a single use water system was in the region of £165,000 to £175,000 while a recirculating one was around £265,000 to £285,000. Cllr John Mouland added: “It is not just the purchase of it. Unfortunately, it is ongoing maintenance. It’s so expensive.”

Councillors agreed to fix the current paddling pool, which Cllr Mouland said was “sensible for now”. The council could look again at a splash park in the future.

“I still think we ought to do something because it is such a lovely area,” said Cllr Mouland.

He said: “I’d still love to see something. We have just got to reconsider. It is a shame because I have seen them over at Totton and they are lovely.”

Options for the refurbishment of the old toilet block were also considered.

Avon Valley Shed had considered leasing the building and creating a community workshop. But this did not go ahead.

An idea previously put forward was turning it into a “seaside-type” shelter. One of the options was to demolish the side walls and integrate timber posts while retaining the disabled toilet. Each of the options included replacing the roof.

Cllr Edward Hale said funding to revamp the block was an issue as it could not be done with Community Infrastructure Levy money. He said £20,000 was the cheapest option being proposed.

Cllr Anna Wilson said it was “too much money” adding: “It would make a lot more sense to knock it down.”

Cllr Mouland said: “It is a lovely idea. I’d really like to have gone for it but as soon as it starts getting up there in that price it’s difficult.”

Cllr Anna Wilson said the “next port of call was to look for a quote for demolition” and warned that it would get to a stage where the building was “not safe”. “I don’t think we can just leave it,” she added.

Previously, the meeting heard, a quote for demolition was around £5,000 or £6,000.

The safety aspect was also a concern for Cllr Mouland who said kids climb on the roof and there was a chance of them falling off.

Cllr Hale said: “It’s a nice idea but we need to sort out the funding. Unless someone is going to give us £20,000.”

He felt none of the costs were “viable”.

These safety concerns were echoed by Cllr Paul Anstey who also said the building itself was “awful”.

He suggested if it was demolished the council could keep the hardstanding foundations which would give it an option to put seating there. “Ultimately, this building that is getting less safe on a daily basis we need to address that,” he added.

Cllr Nobby Goldsmith said: “We need to make a decision to change it, do something with it, spend the money, or take it down and get rid of it.”

A proposal was put forward to demolish the old toilet block and retain the hardstanding, subject to the cost. This will go to the full council next month for a decision to be made.

 

 

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