It is rather sad that the Conservative group of Chippenham Town Council sees the plans for a splash pad in John Coles Park as a feather in its cap when the whole committee was in agreement that we needed more information in construction, style and running costs of the project.

The Tory group, including two members not on the leisure and amenities committee, put forward many negative aspects of splash pads in other areas, eg, fear of accidents, car parking, health and hygiene hazards. These must be addressed in the design for a splash pad suitable for our youngsters in John Coles Park. We must choose the best option learning lessons from splash pads across the country. Coun Melody Thompson has expressed her sadness that children would miss out this summer, which many of us would concur, pointing out that there are many parents unable to afford holidays who would have welcomed this addition of water play to the facilities offered in John Coles Park. However, we have quite a way to go before we give the green light.

Private funding was always an option preferred by the majority of members and confirmed at the last full council meeting.

Research had already been directed by the committee last summer when the splash pad project was first presented to the committee by the then chairman of the leisure and amenities committee, Coun Rob Jones. We commissioned our head of service delivery, Adrian Jones, to research all options including the possibilities of private funding, the latest results which were presented to members. We commended and thanked Adrian Jones both in his research and in presenting a successful bid to Borough Lands who give grants that benefit the community of Chippenham.

It has to be noted that the press article last week which included an initial impression of a splash pad that was shown to the committee last summer, has been superseded by better options and styles of pads.

The Chippenham Town Council Liberal Democrat administration makes assurances that it will continue to operate in co-operative ways with all members.

Research shows that across the country that splash pads are a highly successful outdoor facility.

Mary Fallon, Acting chairman, Leisure and amenities committee, Chippenham Town Council.