Splash parks will open
30 May 2012
The London Borough of Bexley will be opening their splash parks in Belvedere and Danson Park after all this summer, following a change in the advice given by Thames Water.
The Council had originally been advised by Thames Water that the Temporary Use Ban restricting water usage across the region, meant it would be illegal for the facilities to be opened.
Yesterday a spokesman for Thames Water confirmed that the Council had been 'mis-informed' and that the Splash Parks could open.
Cllr Don Massey, Cabinet Member for Leisure said: "I am delighted that we have now been told that we can open the splash parks. There have been many disappointed residents in recent weeks unable to enjoy the excellent facilities available to them for free.
"I am grateful for the tenacity of officers who have pressed Thames Water on this issue. This now means that our younger residents can enjoy fun in the water, especially given that many of them will not have paddling pools this year because they are unable to fill them with hose pipes, due to the ban."
It is hoped that Danson Splash Park may be able to open as early as tomorrow (31 May), as all the equipment is in place and ready to use. The Council is working to get Belvedere Splash Park open as soon as possible. This should happen on Friday 8 June, after the plant and equipment has been commissioned, cleaned, chlorinated and tested by a specialist contractor.
Unfortunately the fountains at Crayford Waterside Gardens will remain off for the duration of the ban as they are classed as a 'water feature', rather than a Splash Park, and are therefore not permitted.
