COUNCIL bosses say an outdoor pool will remain closed despite the Government finally giving the all-clear for water parks to start re-opening.

Maldon District Council confirmed the Splash Park in Promenade Park will remain closed this summer, despite the Government announcing that both outdoor and indoor pools can re-open.

The council said re-opening the Splash Park was “not a case of simply turning on the taps”.

The beach huts at Promenade Park will also remain closed throughout the summer.

A Maldon District Council spokesman said: “We know the continued closure will be a disappointment for residents and visitors.

“Sadly, however, it’s not a case of simply turning on the taps.

“A specialist company is required to bring the Splash Park back into service after its winter shutdown in September 2019 and this request has already been booked and cancelled twice.

“Each year we recruit and train staff to operate the park and ensure public safety.

“Safeguarding requirements for the disclosure barring service checks take at least six to ten weeks, by which time, the season will have unfortunately come to an end.

“We understand that this will be a great disappointment to many of you who come to Promenade Park, and we are disappointed too.

“However, to re-open a facility where we could put users at risk would be irresponsible of us.

“The health and welfare of visitors is always our priority.”

New government guidelines mean that swimmers will not be able to overtake one another, lanes will be doubled in width, no more than one swimmer will be allowed per six square metres of a pool and pools will be divided for family sessions so each household has an area.

There will also be the option to arrive already changed into swimwear and two-metre social distancing will be observed throughout changing areas.