THE splash pad in Kidderminster's Brinton Park will reopen tomorrow (Thursday) for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown.

Wyre Forest District Council is reopening the gates to its popular splash pad from 11am to 4pm daily after relaunching the district's play areas on Saturday (July 18).

Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, Councillor Graham Ballinger, said: “I’m delighted our splashpad in Brinton Park is reopening. With the easing of the lockdown, our parks team has worked tirelessly to make sure our splashpad and play areas are safe for visitors to return to.

“If you are planning to visit please make sure you follow the government’s coronavirus guidelines, the rules we have put in place as well as taking home any litter to help us keep the district a safe, clean and green living environment.”

The council is asking all visitors to follow the government's coronavirus guidelines and has introduced extra measures to ensure people's safety - including two council officers being on site at all times.

Signs going up in the splash pad will ask visitors to abide by the following rules:

  • All children must be supervised by a responsible adult
  • Make sure you are social distancing
  • Bring your own hand sanitiser and make sure children use it before and after using the splash pad
  • The splash pad will be limited to a maximum of 12 persons at any time
  • During busy sessions, the splash pad will be limited to 20-minute sessions

The district council has also confirmed it will not be reopening its Northwood Lane paddling pool in Bewdley.

Councillor John Thomas, cabinet member for operational services, said: “We understand paddling pools are popular attractions in the district so we’ve been working closely with local town councils through our localism agenda to secure their future.

“Plans were in place to transfer Northwood Lane paddling pool over to Bewdley Town Council.

"The town council had made arrangements to give funding to a volunteer group, Friends of [Riverside North], who were going to take responsibility for the running of the pool. Unfortunately, the group has now folded leaving the future of the pool in doubt.

"We will continue to work with Bewdley Town Council to hopefully find a positive resolution.”

Gemma Robson, chairman of the Friends of Riverside North, denied the group had folded, and said plans to fund maintenance works to the pool had been placed on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gemma said: "Discussions are ongoing between Wyre Forest District Council and Bewdley Town Council so we couldn’t offer our money or help with the pool because we didn’t know who would own it.

"The coronavirus pandemic has put everything on hold and to get the pool ready for this summer was just not possible, so unfortunately it will not be opening this year.

"Once discussions between the councils have concluded, we can then step in to help."