Wellington Railway Station urine smell causing a stink

The first impression visitors arriving at Wellington Railway Station get of the town is of the 'smell of urine' coming from the site's toilets which have been out of action for months, a town councillor today said.

Councillor Pat McCarthy said it was intolerable that the situation had been allowed to go on for so long. However, London Midland said the drainage problems leading to the closure of the toilets were being investigated as a matter of urgency.

Town councillors have been campaigning for more than a year for improvements at the station.

They have now invited a London Midland representative to the next meeting of Wellington Town Council on June 12 to discuss the issues, which also include access problems, especially for the disabled.

Councillor McCarthy said: "Anyone coming to the town, their first impression is the smell of urine as they go up the steps because people get caught short, especially at night, which is unacceptable.

"However we did notice that when the toilets were operating this was not a problem. It is intolerable and a matter of urgency for London Midland."

The council has also had an access review completed this month, which listed 33 recommendations.

Councillor McCarthy said the main suggestions were that lifts were installed along with a level access from the station's bridge to the bus station.

"We have got a few things done but London Midland seem to be refraining, saying that it is not economically viable to make these investments, but they are putting profit over people."

Mike Dalton, for London Midland, said: "Since the toilet facilities were refurbished a year ago, there has been continual problems with the drains and, together with other agencies, Network Rail, Severn Trent Water and the local council, we are investigating the problem as a matter of urgency."