Frustrated Belvedere residents are gathering tonight (July 29) to discuss proposals which could stop Bexley Council closing the community's splash park.

Councillors announced last Tuesday that residents and businesses must come up with serious and detailed plans to prevent the permanent closure of the park - which would be replaced with a dry play area.

In last week's council meeting, cabinet member for community safety, environment and leisure, Councillor Peter Craske put forward a three-month timescale to solidify ideas, which some have branded 'unachievable'.

Dr Jamie Kesten, a dad of a seven-year-old daughter, recently moved to Belvedere.

He said: "It is beyond me that Bexley Council can't see how valuable the Belvedere Splash Park is as a local community asset and prioritise saving it through any means necessary.

"The message we seem to be getting is that as residents, and tax payers, our priorities are not important to our council.

"That it is essentially being 'handed over' to the community is bad enough, but the way in which it is being 'handed over' is even worse as there are so many caveats and hurdles to overcome."

Resident Stacy Jo-Anne added: "Why when there is such a huge response from the community do we now find ourselves fighting against the council?

"It's a one of a kind place and we the community do not mind paying for entrance and upkeep."

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SOSP poster

Community group Save Our Splash Park (SOSP) has campaigned tirelessly since hygiene issues forced the council to close the park, with no promise if or when it would re-open.

Group secretary Faye Ockelfod told News Shopper: "All we have asked is to be given a chance to work with the Council to come up with viable and workable solutions."

Meanwhile, resident Alex Taylor added: "We believe that the timescale and specified requirements may effectively prevent organisations from putting forward proposals."

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Coun Peter Craske said: "No one wants to see the splash park closed, but we really have little choice.

"The expert report is clear. The level of costs needed to keep the splash park running are just too high."

The public meeting is being held at the Royal Standard on Nuxley Road from 7pm tonight.

Those with experience and knowledge of writing proposals, health and safety, water parks, charity work, finance or catering - and anyone passionate about saving the park - are welcome to attend.