Paddling pool to remain shut after pump fault

The paddling pool at Peterborough's Central Park will remain shut this year

A water pump fault has forced a paddling pool at a city centre park to remain shut for the remainder of the summer period.

The facility at Peterborough's Central Park opened on 2 July - two months later than it would normally open for the summer season - but has experienced issues ever since.

The council said the replacement part could only be sourced from Germany and "cannot be fitted and the water testing completed before schools return from the summer break".

Dennis Jones, the leader of Peterborough City Council, called the closure of the pool "disappointing".

Last year, the paddling pool had to be shut over the summer holidays until September due to a number of issues, such as mechanical faults and traces of Legionella bacteria found in the water.

As an alternative, residents have been encouraged to use Bretton Water Park in Barnstock, Peterborough. The facility finally opened on 16 August, after a month's delay due to mechanical issues.

Mr Jones said: "We know how disappointing it has been for residents not to be able to use the paddling pool at Central Park this summer.

"The replacement part we ordered, which could only be sourced from Germany, cannot now be fitted and the water testing completed in time to open the pool before schools return from the summer break, which means regretfully the paddling pool will not open again this summer.

"We encourage people to use Bretton Splash Park, which remains open until the end of August."