AN APOLOGY has been issued by civic officers after a Bournemouth paddling pool failed to open as scheduled.

Parents taking their children to play site at Redhill were left disappointed and confused following a social media post, which suggested the facility would be open on Monday.

The pool in Redhill Avenue, along with the site at Hamworthy Park, are not yet in a fit state to open.

Issues have been identified with the water quality and pump mechanisms.

Michael Rowland, BCP Council’s strategic lead for greenspace and conservation, said: “Following the announcement from government last week that we would be moving to stage 4, our parks team have been working hard to get our splash facilities ready to reopen.

“We are delighted that The Quomps Splash Park in Christchurch was open on Monday, whilst the water-play facilities at Boscombe Chine Gardens and Moordown opened yesterday morning.

“Our other facilities, including Redhill paddling pool and Hamworthy paddling pool, will open as soon it is safe to do so.”

Mr Rowland said the safety of facilities is a priority for the council.

“Many of our splash and water play facilities have been closed for over a year, so it has taken a little longer this season to get some of our sites reopened,” he added.

“I would especially like to apologise to those who visited Redhill paddling pool on Monday and were left disappointed. A communication from the Parks Café Facebook page was posted incorrectly, but was swiftly corrected. However, this did cause confusion, for which we are sorry.”

Updates will be provided by BCP Council when the sites at Hamworthy and Redhill are ready to reopen.