THERE is likely to be some good news for users of facilities in a Crediton park after a decision by Crediton Town Council.

The Town Council has given its backing to a plan to develop and improve the paddling pool in Newcombes Meadow and also to install associated toilet facilities.

A toilet near the paddling pool has been wanted for a very long time by parents of children using the play facilities and, in the summer, the paddling pool in the Mid Devon District Council owned park.

At a meeting of Crediton Town Council on Tuesday, December 16, it approved, after much discussion, the spending of up to £150,000 towards the improvements.

Mid Devon District Council, it was explained, would be able to support the works, with up to £150,000 from Section 106 money from building developments locally.

Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking said that the toilet would be a year-round facility for the community which would be greatly beneficial.

Cllr Guy Cochran said that the Section 106 monies need to be spent, this was a very worthwhile scheme and the contractors will want to get on with it.

Included with the improvements to the pool would be an upgrade of a pump room with the associated toilet.

There was some discussion about spending and Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking reminded the meeting: “We have just heard from Mid Devon Council Leader Councillor Luke Taylor and the Chief Executive Stephen Walford about Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

“They effectively explained that Mid Devon District Council will not exist after LGR and I am sure were indicating that we need to try to keep the things we want to keep, including the paddling pool.

“I think we have to commit to the money so that we can progress it so that our officer and the 106 council officer can get on with the scheme.”

The council approved with scheme with the exception of acting chair Rachel Backhouse who asked that her not voting was recorded.