The eyesore toilet block at the foot of The Wrekin could soon be bulldozed to make way for a cafe and visitor centre as part of a plan to ensure the future of Shropshire’s landmark hill.

A countryside ranger could be recruited, a “forest school” set up to bring children closer to nature and a network of trails established for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers.

And the growing market for timber could see The Wrekin boosting the economy and creating jobs.

The points are made in a major new report published today by Pete Lambert, Wrekin Forest project officer of Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

His draft proposals will be unveiled at 7.30pm today, at a public meeting organised by support group All Friends Round The Wrekin at Wellington Civic Centre. It follows widespread concern for the area.

One of The Wrekin’s main problems is it is a victim of its own popularity, with 80,000 visits a year by walkers, cyclists, horse riders, runners and paragliders.

Limited parking space, lack of toilets, car crime, fly-tipping and off-road vehicles damaging the precious woodland are just some of the issues. Top demand by the public, with 86 per cent in favour, is for toilets.

Mr Lambert says the defunct and vandalised toilet block could be the ideal site for a Wrekin cafe.

“Initial talks with the landowner, Telford & Wrekin Council and Shropshire Wildlife Trust have been positive,” he says.

“The idea of combining a manned toilet with a small business offering refreshments and visitor information was looked on favourably.”