THE popular Splashpad in Worcester is to close this week while work is carried out, but why was it not done sooner?

The attraction in Gheluvelt Park will be closed until May 7 while new railings are installed, with questions asked about why this was not done during lockdown instead of now, when residents can attend.

According to Worcester City Council, the work could not be carried out during lockdown due to the contractor being unavailable, with a spokesman saying the works are essential.

They said: "The Splashpad in Gheluvelt Park is closed for four days until Friday, May 7, so that new railings and gates can be installed.

"This work will help to protect the surface area of the Splashpad for the future, following previous damage caused by bikes and scooters.

"It was not possible for this work to be done earlier, as the pandemic restrictions meant that the contractor was not available.

"The Splashpad has been open every day since April 2 and will be open again for this coming weekend.

"This important work is being carried out during termtime, when use of the Splashpad is generally low.

"We apologies for any inconvenience while the railings are installed."

The council announced that the Splashpad would close via social media, with a post saying: "The Splashpad in Gheluvelt Park will be closed for four days from Tuesday 4 to Friday, May 7, while new railings and gates are installed.

We apologise for any inconvenience while the work takes place."

The Splashpad is regularly closed for various reasons, with the summer of 2019 seeing it closed during a heatwave due to technical problems.

Following this, the council committed to spend £25,000 on revamping the attraction.