A POPULAR water attraction in Basingstoke is closed for ‘essential maintenance’ just weeks after it reopened.

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.

But less than three weeks later the council has announced that it has had to close the facility for ‘essential maintenance’, just as the weather has started to warm up.

READ MORE: Basingstoke splash pad reopens but with no toilet facilities 

Frustrated families have hit out at the council for closing the splash pad ahead of a warm spell over the weekend and for giving no notice of the closure, resulting in people having to cancel their plans at the last minute.

Carys Katy said: “It’s only been open two weeks. If there is a fixed routine programme of maintenance for water testing etc requiring closure, it may be worth sharing that as a post with more notice so people don’t have to cancel their plans the day before/on the day. Most maintenance isn’t arranged the day before. I think many would appreciate that.”

Michelle Pritchard said: “Just as the weather improves. Great timing.”

Kirsty Mott added: “Didn’t this happen last year? Only a couple of weeks then closed for a month for maintenance? Maybe a later opening date or earlier maintenance in the future could solve the issue?”

SEE ALSO: Council asks splash pad visitors to 'limit stay' 

The borough council said: “Routine tests, checks and works are regularly carried out at the splash pad to ensure that the facility is working effectively and safely. This is normal for external water play facilities.

“In addition to the maintenance work and cleaning, water testing will take place before the water play facility can reopen.

“We apologise for the inconvenience. We will keep residents updated on when the splash pad can reopen through our social media channels and website.”