The early summer closure of a popular splashpad is an 'embarrassment' according to a city councillor.

The splashpad at Gheluvelt Park in Worcester has been closed intermittently this summer for repairs and was closed for the August bank holiday weekend.

Worcester City Council announced on Wednesday (August 28) via a post on X that the planned reopening this week has been cancelled - meaning it will not reopen this year.

Worcester city councillor Karen Holmes, who represents Claines, said: "It's an embarrassment really - it's not fair on the kids.

"It brings people to Gheluvelt Park, which is a lovely park, and it's free.

"It's the end of the month, and we're in the summer holidays so parents are looking for cheaper activities for the family to enjoy."

A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: "The splashpad was due to be closed for the year on September 1.

"Frustratingly we have had to close it a few days early due to a significant part of the machinery needing to be replaced.

RECOMMENDED READING: Worcester splashpad closed for bank holiday weekend

RECOMMENDED READING: Gheluvelt Park splashpad closures 'embarrassing' for council

"We apologise to Worcester residents that it will not be operational for this final week of the summer holidays, and for the various periods when it has been out of action over the last few months.

"As previously announced, the city council is now carrying out a full review of the splashpad.

"It is now 14 years old and there has been an increase in the number of occasions when it has had to be closed for maintenance or repairs.

"Our review will look at the impact and cost of the periods of repair and maintenance, and at future options for the splashpad, including whether it requires a full refurbishment or needs to be replaced."

Cllr Holmes said: "It has never been a reliable splashpad to be honest, it has always had problems.

"We as councillors are disappointed with how unreliable it is, but the council will try and find the money - in a tight budget - to have it repaired fully.

"It can't go on as it is."

In 2016, Worcester City Council invested £325,000 to create a new Sons of Rest pavilion near to the splashpad.

The Pavilion has a community room with an adjoining kitchen along with five individual unisex toilets, including a disabled toilet and baby-changing facilities.