A FLAGSHIP splash park in the heart of Christchurch has been temporarily closed due to long-running maintenance issues.

The popular facility at Christchurch Quay has suffered from ongoing problems since it opened.

Now the council have been forced to close it in order to carry out repairs, which they claim should have been done by the contractor.

It is hoped the facility, which attracts thousands of youngsters every year, will re-open next week.

The water park opened in 2010 after years of campaigning by a group of dedicated volunteers.

Adrian Dwyer, who headed the group of residents and parents who fought for the development said: “The extended closure of the splashpark has been bitterly disappointing to the many thousands of people that enjoyed the facility last year.

“Being free of charge it has given great pleasure to literally thousands of people in what has been one of the toughest economic times in generation.

“However, I am really pleased that Christchurch council is continuing to support the water-play feature that community volunteers and council officials worked so hard to create.

“I am confident that when the sun returns, Christchurch council will have the splash park open once more.”

Mayor of Christchurch and town centre ward councillor Peter Hall said: “I have had a few calls about it but the weather has been in our favour to be honest.

“With the other ward councillor, Gillian Geary, we have been keeping an eye on it and hope it will open next week, although that is obviously weather dependent.”

A spokesperson for Christchurch council said there had been problems with the facility from the start and despite a contract with the company UAC Limited to carry out repairs these requests were not responded to.

The council was recently told that the contractors had ceased trading and are replacing the rubber surface and chlorination equipment themselves as well as repainting.

Around £3,000 held back from the company until work had been completed satisfactorily is being used to cover the majority of the costs.

UAC could not be contacted for a comment.