Disappointment as splash pad closes for the summer

A popular splash pad in Cardiff will remain closed for the rest of the summer due to a pump failure.

The attraction at the city's Victoria Park was due to open from 24 May until 1 September. But as the pump is unable to be replaced until Autumn it will remain closed until next year.

"We're just sad that it's closed. It would have been a lovely day to go in the park and have some fun but it's closed now and it's kind of sad," eight-year-old Francesca told the BBC.

Cardiff council said in a statement it understands "the disappointment" and apologised "for the inconvenience".

The £485,000 splash pad opened in 2016 and has 33 water features, including jets, sprays and a large bucket that tips water as it fills.

A similar park in Newport dubbed The Splash 'Port opened this August.

Mya Wisdom said she travelled from Newport to go to Victoria Park's splash pad, only to find the attraction was closed.

"I came here about a month ago and it was absolutely amazing for the kids," she said.

"When we pulled up to see it was shut we were very sad. It is still a beautiful park, but the splash park makes it".

Raphly Bailey, 32, said he was disappointed after bringing his three children to enjoy the splash pad.

Mr Bailey said: "[My son] loves the splash park. Even when he came in, that's the first place he went to.

"That is quite upsetting. The summer is not over and that is the kid's main attraction here really. They need to sort it out, the summer is not over yet."

But the parts for the broken pump can only be found abroad, and contractors have said that they will be unable to replace it in time.

Cardiff council said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Despite exploring all options with contractors, parts won't arrive until autumn.

"We understand the disappointment and apologise for the inconvenience."