Splash pad reopening hit by fresh delay

The reopening of Worcester's Gheluvelt Park splash pad has been hit by a fresh delay.

Following a £366,000 refurbishment, the popular children's attraction had been due to open on Saturday 24 May, in time for the Spring Bank Holiday and half-term.

After initially being set back a week, until Saturday 31 May, Worcester City Council said the reopening had now been delayed again.

The local authority has apologised to families. It said it would confirm a new opening date once a series of tests and checks were complete.

Works to repair the 15-year-old water play feature were approved by councillors last November, after persistent maintenance problems led to it being shut repeatedly over the summer months.

A £366,000 investment has included the replacement of the original filtration system, as well as an upgrade to the safety surface.

A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: "Work is ongoing to ensure that the splash pad is ready to be safely used.

"The structural work is now complete, and there is now a series of commissioning tests and checks to undertake before it can be safely opened.

"We are sorry for the delay, which has been due to unforeseen circumstances.

"We will update our social media accounts when we have a confirmed opening date, which we are hoping will be in the next several days."

When it finally opens, the splash pad will operate daily between 11am and 4pm until 18 July, and then 11am and 6pm until 1 September.

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