BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council has apologised after announcing a popular play area in Popley will remain closed for the weekend.

Residents were left bemused on Friday as the council closed the splash pad in Chineham Park for essential maintenance, despite temperatures soaring to highs of 34C.

The authority said its contractors were booked a number of weeks ago and the date was allocated according to their availability, adding that it expected the facility to reopen for the weekend.

However, those who were looking forward to finally jumping in the water were once again left disappointed after the council issued a further announcement.

It wrote on social media: "We had hoped that we would be able to open the facility in time for the weekend but this is not now possible as we have been informed that further testing of the equipment is required.

"We realise that some customers will be disappointed that the water play won't be open over the weekend and we are very sorry for any inconvenience this will cause. We will provide an update on our social media channels as soon as we can."

The toilet and changing facilities at the Chineham Park were set on fire twice by vandals recently.

But, the council has said the decision to close the splash pad tomorrow does not relate to the vandalism issue.