A PUBLIC pool earmarked for closure in Christchurch could be saved by the town council.

Christchurch Town Council has allocated £55,000 in funds for the Quomps Splash Park in its draft budget for 2024/25.

The facility is currently owned by BCP Council but was listed among other paddling pools set for disposal.

The local authority wants to plug a £50m budget gap for the next financial year.

Christchurch Town Council's acting town clerk James Atkinson said: "Christchurch Town Council understands the importance of the Quomps Splash Park to the local community.

"After learning of its potential closure, we have been working hard to enable its future management.

“We are investigating how the splash park can be operated in a sustainable manner, so that this much-loved community asset can be enjoyed by future generations.”

The community committee discussed the future of the splash park at last month's meeting.

The minutes of the meeting read: “The chairman spoke about the current BCP consultation on their budget pressures and in particular the future of the Quomps Splash Park at Christchurch Quay.

“Highlighting the role of the splash park in attracting huge numbers of residents and visitors in the summer, the acting town clerk informed members that conversations were ongoing around the future of the splash park with BCP Council.”

Two additional paddling pools at Redhill Park and Hamworthy Park could also be transferred to partners amid BCP Council’s cuts - a move which it says could save £107,000.

Following the announcement, a number of residents and community groups have been rallying together to argue the closures.

A ‘Stop the Closure of Local Paddling Pools’ petition on change.org has gathered more than 2,100 signatures of support.

Friends of Hamworthy Park also chaired a meeting of action following BCP Council’s announcement.

Representatives from the council, South Coast Adventures, Hamworthy councillors and the Lake Residents Association attended.

A spokesperson for Friends of Hamworthy Park described the meeting as “really positive” with everyone “working collaboratively to find a solution that will see the paddling pool remain open”.

The consultation period for the assets earmarked for disposal is now over, and the findings are yet to be revealed.