BOURNEMOUTH'S ice rink looks set to be even bigger this year - while its "appalling" temporary toilet facilities are likely to be improved.

The rink had already expanded in 2017, with around 30,000 people putting their skates on over the course of 48 days.

However, council officials now hope the attraction, delivered by THIS Event Co Ltd, will grow again when it returns. The plans were discussed at a meeting of the Lower Central Gardens Trust Board on Wednesday afternoon.

Bournemouth council's parks development manager Michael Rowland said informal discussions have begun.

"There is potential to expand it," he said.

"We are looking now at the problems from last year, [which were] around the toilets."

Robust temporary toilets connected to the mains could be installed, he said, adding: "The quality of the loos will be greatly improved."

Councillor Ian Lancashire said: "The provision of the toilets this year was absolutely appalling."

Members of the board heard representatives from THIS Event Co are already working with Bournemouth Tourism and the area's business improvement districts to prepare for Christmas 2018.

Jon Weaver, joint head of resort marketing for Bournemouth and Poole, said the rink may have a theme to fit with the resort's festive plans.

Speaking after Cllr Lancashire said he didn't "want to see any last-minute chaos", Mr Weaver said the plans are a "springboard" that will benefit residents and visitors.

"We are engaged to make the offer as significant as it can be," he said.

The ice rink, which was in place at the vacant Bournemouth balloon site between mid-November and early January, featured a nursery rink for young families and an alpine-themed après skate café and bar.

Visitors were offered hour-long skating sessions and the venue was open every day over the festive period, excluding Christmas Day.

In November, the rink was granted formal planning consent for five years in its current format.