THE future of a troubled children’s water play area in Coventry’s popular War Memorial Park should be examined, says a leading councillor.
Conservative opposition leader, councillor John Blundell, told the Coventry Observer its viability should be considered.
It comes after a spate of Coventry City Council closures of the ‘Splash and Play’ feature – amid allegations from parents that their children had fallen ill after using it.
The feature remained closed today for the council to carry out tests of the water’s bacteria.
Coun Blundell said: “It appears to have been beset with problems ever since it was installed.
“Therefore, from a personal point of view, I would question whether we are getting value for money from this feature.”
Parents this week alleged three children suffered diarrhoea and high temperatures after playing in it last week.
Natalie Jordan claimed her son Finlay and two others were ill the following day after using the feature.
She said he was later diagnosed with scarlet fever.
Andrew Walster, assistant director of Streetscene and Greenspace at the council, suggested it was possible the children fell ill for other reasons, but the council would await the results of extra microbiological contamination tests.
He said daily tests for chlorine and pH levels were carried out, in addition to monthly contamination checks.
A council spokesperson said: “It was closed as a precautionary measure while we got specialist contractors to test the water for bacteria. This was decided on Saturday morning.
“So far all summer the daily tests and the specialist tests we retain a contractor to do have all come back clear.”