THE fountains near Eastrop Park are to remain closed after becoming damaged.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council reopened its other two water play facilities in Basingstoke - the splash pad in Popley and the paddling pool at Eastrop Park – following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions in July.

However, the fountains have remained shut.

The borough council’s cabinet member for the natural environment and climate improvement, Councillor Mark Ruffell explained why, telling the Gazette: “The fountains at Eastrop have been closed throughout the pandemic and during the commissioning work to reopen this facility, we found high levels of condensation in the plant room which powers the fountains and this has led to a number of parts corroding.”

He said the council is working with a specialist contractor to re-open the facility “as quickly as possible”, but added: “However, due to the pandemic and a number of other facilities across the country facing a similar issue, this has led to delays in this work being carried out.

“In the meantime, we would encourage families wanting to enjoy water facilities to visit Eastrop Park and Chineham Park. We want to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”