Watford’s Mayor has said that revising the timings of the splash pool in Cassiobury Park will help ensure it is safe.

Scorching weather this weekend is likely to attract large crowds to the splash pool, with the new timings meaning more people have less of a wait to enjoy them.

Watford Borough Council announced last Friday that working on a one in, one out principle, people will be allowed within the gated area in one-hour slots as space becomes available.

Every hour, the splash pools will be deep-cleaned for 30 minutes by staff - the pools will be open from 10am to 6.30pm.

Mayor Peter Taylor has said that taking this step means “people can still enjoy the paddling pools while doing all that we can to make sure that it is safe and that people are not risking their health or others”.

He said: “We have listened to feedback from our residents and visitors to the paddling pools and have reduced the slot waiting times to one hour. This means that more people get a chance to enjoy them.

“Lots of people have told us that an hour long session is long enough for children to enjoy the paddling pools, particularly during the heatwave over half-term. We are also looking at the possibility of introducing a booking system for the paddling pools in the future.”

The council also confirmed last week that a maximum of 100 people will still only be allowed in the splash park at any one time, in line with Covid-19 guidance.

Mr Taylor added: “We will be reviewing the current system in line with the government’s roadmap. The weekend is again forecast to be hot, so I hope people will continue to take advantage of our wonderful parks and open spaces.”

The splash park facilities includes a play park with 30 splash pads, water jets, and fountains, two new splash pools, and changing room facilities and toilets nearby.

New Cassiobury Park splash pools schedule

10:00 to 11:00 – open

11:00 to 11.30 – closed for deep clean

11.30 to 12.30 – open

12.30 to 13:00 – closed for deep clean

13:00 to 14:00 – open

14:00 to 14:30 – closed for deep clean

14:30 to 15:30 – open

15:30 to 16:00 – closed for deep clean

16:00 to 17:00 – open

17:00 to 17:30 – closed for deep clean

17:30 to 18:30 – open