THE popular Splashpad in John Coles Park in Chippenham is to be open later and longer next summer.

After a successful first year, Chippenham Town Council’s Amenities, Culture and Leisure Committee have agreed that the Splashpad will be open from 11am to 6.30pm in 2016.

The water play facility opened on the second May bank holiday this year, to coincide with the Folk Festival, and was open from 10am to 4.30pm on weekdays and from 10am to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.

In 2016, the £85,000 facility will be open for children from 11am to 6.30pm every day from May 28 to August 29. But councillors added that town council staff should remain flexible on opening the facility depending on the weather around these dates.

Town council deputy chief executive Adrian Jones said: “It has been nothing but a resounding success.”

At Wednesday evening's meeting (Sept 2) the deputy chief executive also said that he would look into the possibility of getting a title sponsor for the Splashpad in time for next summer.