ROMSEY War Memorial Park’s aging refreshment kiosk and toilets are to be replaced with a modern, much larger complex.

Borough councillors gave the £160,000 scheme the thumbs up at Tuesday’s southern area planning committee.

The new building will include a kitchen and food preparation area, inside and outside seating facilities, a storage area and staff toilets.

The current public toilets are to be upgraded and extended and will be incorporated within the new single-storey structure which will have a curved terrace feature at its frontage. Councillor Clive Collier said: “This is a long awaited improvement.”

He added that the borough’s cabinet spokesman for leisure Tony Ward should be congratulated on the work that has been done that will benefit all War Memorial Park users when completed.

Romsey Tadburn ward borough member Mark Cooper praised those involved in the enhancement project. “The borough and Councillor Ward have done a good job. This is the most heavily used park in Romsey,” said Mr Cooper.

Not mincing his words Broughton and Stockbridge borough councillor Danny Busk, added: “It’s very much an eyesore at the moment. The sooner this is built, Romsey will benefit.”

Councillors were unanimous in approving the application which has the full support of Romsey and District Society.