Date set for opening of St Annes seafront Splash! play area

The £250,000 Splash! water fun park, on the site of a long-abandoned former paddling pool, is a joint project between Fylde Council and the Promenade Gardens Friends, who have gathered substantial grant aid contributions to pay for it.

It was initially hoped the attraction, close to The Island and Mini-Links golf course on the promenade and intended for three- to 12-year-old children, would open in late summer.

But some delays as contractors excavated more than seven metres deep to install a water tank and accompanying piping have caused the opening to be put back.

Fylde Council says, however, that it is pleased with progress.

A spokesman said: “Huge progress has been made in the completion of the new Splash! facility and it’s nearly complete.

“Some complications were experienced during the water tanks excavation phase causing delays and we needed to ensure the facility water management system, splash pad and surrounding infrastructure was completed to a very high and safe standard for the children and families who will use it.

“The Edwardian amphitheatre surrounding the facility has been refurbished to a glorious standard and finishing touches now being organised include signage, furniture as well as the full resurfacing of the footpaths around the area.

“Staff will be going through rigorous training and Splash! will be fully open to the public in April 2019.”

Alison Levi of the the Promenade Gardens Friends, said: “We, and everyone who has contributed to the project, are very pleased to see Splash! in its final stage of completion.

“While there is a minor sense of disappointment that due to unforseen delays it was not open during this years wonderful summer, we are confident there are going to be many great hours of fun over many summers to come.”