Disappointment over Belvedere Splash Park closure by Bexley Council

The controversial decision was confirmed at a meeting of Bexley Council on Monday.

Belvedere Splash Park in Woolwich Road is to be closed forever

Plans for an alternative park have been put forward with £250,000 earmarked for focussing the space on children with special needs.

Rebecca Erol, 45, of Greening Street in Abbey Wood, spoke of her upset over the decision.

She said: “I think it is such a shame. I was against it then and I am still against it.

“I used to go there with my daughter - it was brilliant.

“There is something special about water and kids - safe water - you don’t get that everywhere.

“I have no objection to a park for children with special needs but I do not know what that means.”

Belvedere resident Louis Sealey, 22, of Harvel Crescent added: “It is a shame. It’s different to a park.

“Whenever I went passed it it was always rammed - kids were always playing in it.”

The new park, which would be open throughout the year, is set to cater for young children and particularly those with disabilities.

Councillor Peter Craske of Bexley Council

Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Environment and Leisure, Councillor Peter Craske said at the meeting: “I entirely respect the fact that the people who use the splash park facility wish to see it continue in its present form - we have worked hard to try and achieve that and last autumn I thought we were going to get it across the line, but in the end it hasn’t worked out.

“It’s time to draw a line and look to the future - a facility that will be innovative and forward looking.

“We have a blank sheet of paper and we are ready to work with anyone who wants to help design this new park.”

Following a series of failed business proposals to take over the water park, the council confirmed that the century-long tradition of splash parks in the area is to end.

The closure of the splash park was first proposed in October 2014.

At that time an independent report found that costs of more than £300,000 would be needed to renovate the existing splash park.

This, alongside on-going revenue costs, were too high for taxpayers to bear, the council has stated.

It is hoped that the new park would be up-and-running by summer 2017 following a period of public consultation.

A statement from Labour councillors Daniel Francis, Gill MacDonald and Sean Newman, who represent Belvedere ward, said: “Along with all Labour Group councillors, we are deeply disappointed by the council's decision to close Belvedere Splash Park.

“The park was hugely popular with local families who along with their local councillors, do not support the decision taken by the council.

“While we welcome the news that the council plans to retain inclusive play facilities on the site, it is deeply disappointing that over 100 years of a water facility on this site will be brought to an end."

Council leader Teresa O’Neill of Bexley Council

On the issue of the park's closure, council leader Teresa O’Neill, said: “We did work hard to find an alternative provider and even with extensions that wasn’t possible.

“The proposal here is for an all-year-round provision which will be suitable for children with special needs which we haven’t got in the borough currently.”

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