Clean toilets, better lighting, more bins and park wardens are among the improvements Northampton residents say they want to see in the town’s parks.

The suggestions flooded in after the Chronicle & Echo reported that West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) had launched a survey asking people how parks and green spaces could be improved.

Among the major sites covered are Abington Park, the Racecourse, Bradlaugh Fields, Becket’s Park, Delapré Park, Eastfield Park, Dallington Park and Hunsbury Hill Country Park.

But one request stood out among dozens of comments from Chronicle & Echo readers – better public toilets.

One resident described clean, decent and well-maintained facilities as a “minimum standard”, specifically highlighting Abington Park and the Racecourse.

Another said: “Toilets and lights so we can feel safe after dusk!”

Others called for toilets near Abington Park’s children’s play area and on the Racecourse, while another suggested staffed public toilets could be provided even if visitors had to pay to use them.

There were plenty of other ideas.

Residents suggested affordable cafés and food trucks, more benches, dog zones, improved play equipment, community gardens and more organised activities.

One commenter said Northampton already had “beautiful green spaces” but needed “investment, imagination and attractions that give people a reason to visit and stay”.

Safety was another recurring theme, with suggestions including lighting along pathways, CCTV, police patrols and park wardens.

Calls were also made for better maintenance, including more bins, improved horticulture, cleaner lakes and waterways and designated staff to look after parks. One resident called for greater community involvement and more funding for friends of parks groups.

More ambitious suggestions included running tracks, outdoor gyms, putting and crazy golf, paddling pools, improved basketball courts and the return of larger festivals and entertainment.

However, not everyone believed major changes were needed, with one resident saying Northampton’s green spaces were already something people should appreciate.

WNC says responses to its survey will help shape future work and improvements to parks across West Northamptonshire.