I’m delighted that Labour-run Ipswich Borough Council has signalled its intent to replace the existing toilet block in Murray Park.

Although Murray Park is just outside Gainsborough ward, in neighbouring Priory Heath, many residents made it clear to me that renewal of the toilet facilities there was a priority for them. Together with Sheila Handley and other Labour councillors I’ve been working behind the scenes to make that a reality.

Now a report to the Borough Council’s Executive Committee on 7 September recommends budgeting £72,000 to replace the Murray Park toilets and three others across Ipswich (Castle Hill Rec, Dumbarton Road Rec and Whitehouse Park).

Once agreed by the Council’s Executive Committee the new toilets will use the latest environmentally friendly composting technology – solar powered and water free and should be installed in early 2022.

Across at Landseer Park the new clubhouse being built by the BMX club will include toilets, but the park itself still lacks a public toilet. I’m determined that this must change and am lobbying hard to ensure that provision of new public toilets on Landseer Park and other improvements will form part of a future project. Watch this space.