A POPULAR water attraction in Basingstoke has reopened for the summer, but parents have hit out that there are no toilets.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council announced that the splash pad, at Chineham Park, in Popley would reopen on Friday, April 28 after being shut for the winter.
However, it said the attraction will have no toilet or changing facilities.
Last year a portable toilet was put outside the splash pad, but it was vandalised twice.
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The toilet at the splash pad was targeted by vandals in May 2022 in a suspected arson incident causing ‘irreparable damage’.
Just a week after the council installed a brand new toilet and changing facility, it was set on fire again and completely destroyed by vandals in June 2022.
Users of the splash pad have questioned how the council can open a water attraction without a toilet.
Posting on social media, Mary Hodgeson said: “Basingstoke and Deane can you not put the porter-loo toilet in like last year as some people can’t manage without one.”
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Jennifer Chambaraudd said: “Having an older special needs child in nappies we could really do with having somewhere private to change them.”
Emma McConnell said the lack of toilets and changing facilities “let this plot down”.
Claire Louise said she will not be visiting the splash pad because it does not have toilets, adding: “This is for kids. You cannot have no toilets.”
Katie Miles, who lives near the splash pad, said installing toilets was “not worth the risk” because of the vandalism. She added: “We can nip home for a wee but it’s a pain without one for others.”
Karli Westwood said it is a “real pain” not having toilets, adding: “I went last summer with my kids but couldn’t stay long due to there being no toilet facilities.”
The borough council has announced that Eastrop paddling pool is also open for use.
It has been asked for a comment regarding the lack of toilet facilities at the splash pad.
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