PARENTS have hailed the new Melksham Splashpad in King George V playing field as “brilliant” and “absolutely amazing”.

The £234,000 new facility was officially launched on Saturday August 3 by Melksham’s mayor Cllr Jon Hubbard, accompanied by Cllr Adrienne Westbrook and town crier Peter Dauncey

Nicola Briggs, 45, of Rosemary Way, Melksham, said: “I think it’s a brilliant addition to the park. My son Sam is loving it. It’s going to encourage more children to get outside instead of being stuck indoors.”

Carli Adams, 39, of Primrose Drive, Melksham, was keeping a careful watch on her daughter Georgie, aged 20 months.

She said: “I think it’s brilliant to have such a good facility here. The children are having lots of fun. It’s good for the town and we will no longer have to go to Chippenham to use the splashpad there.”

Chailey Ilman, 41, of Blackmore Road, Melksham, took his daughter Robyn, 4, to play in the splashpad. He said: “The kids are loving it. It’s good that they are recycling the water.”

Cllr Hubbard told the crowd the splashpad will use use 40,000 litres of water, which is continuously being recycled through the drainage system.

“That’s about equal to 135 bath-fulls of water running through the system, which is constantly being recycled.”

The opening of the new facility fulfils a promise that Melksham Town Council made to residents two years ago when the old paddling pool closed.

“Two years ago many were disappointed at the closing of the paddling pool. We promised a splash pad and here it is," Cllr Hubbard said.

The town council is planning further investment in the playing field, including a new sensory garden and tree walk, a trim trail and outdoor gym, accessible pathways, improved access to the pavilion and event services.