A CHILDREN’S water play area has been closed after it was targeted by mindless vandals.

The paddling pool at Alum Chine on Bournemouth seafront will be out of action for some weeks while the fun facility is repaired.

It comes as a blow to the many youngsters who enjoyed splashing in the play area following a day at the beach and the nearby play park.

Sue Williams, 64, of Penn Hill Avenue, said her granddaughter Megan, three, was very upset she couldn’t play.

“It is such a shame. Megan was really looking forward to getting in there. When it first opened we were here all the time and I had noticed on the last couple of occasions it has been closed.”

Bournemouth mums Nicky Proctor, Shelley Harris and Emma Powner said they were disappointed it was closed.

Nicky, who was enjoying the sunshine with six-month-old Lily Sky, said: “For people to just vandalise it – that’s just pointless. It also isn’t’ nice for visitors to come here and see that.”

The vandalism caused extensive damage to the mechanical workings of the pool filter system and a sign on the facility says it will remain closed until repairs are completed.

Chris Saunders, seafront and business development manager at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “It is regretful that the Alum Chine paddling pool will be out of action for some weeks due to extensive vandalism of the facility and further maintenance issues regarding underground pipework.

“We appreciate this will be a disappointment for many as we enter the summer season but unfortunately the repair and remedial works needed will take some weeks to complete due to the nature of the damage. We aim to get the facility up and running as soon as possible.”