Belvedere Splash Park will remain closed this summer, despite parent protests and residents calling for it to be re-opened in last Wednesday’s council meeting (April 22).

A deputation was brought to Bexley Council but Councillor Alex Sawyer explained the official position had not changed because they cannot estimate the costs involved.

An independent report into running the park, and the cost of fixing a faulty filtration system and bacterial issues, was not finished in March as expected.

Coun Sawyer said: "Nothing has changed. We cannot ring fence money we do not have.

News Shopper: Councillor Alex Sawyer says CCTV is no substitute for community responsibility

Coun Sawyer

"Once I receive the report I will know the options available to me.

"I do not want to see the splash park close, that’s why I am working to find a solution.

"I have said that since day one.

News Shopper:

The much-loved splash park

"I can appreciate that because the report is delayed it can create an impression that we are hiding something."

However he assured residents this is not the case.

He added: "I can appreciate the parents are frustrated at the delays. Imagine how frustrated I am.

"But I am just trying to focus on long-term, sustainable solutions."