Portsmouth leaders address controversy at city splash pool

From left, Nancy Littlefield with her mum Paula Littlefield, Chaleigh Fletcher with her son Tommy Robertson and Stephanie Baker with daughter Cherish-Lou Hardy and Taleigha Collins at the front Picture: Malcolm Wells (160816-4056)

Paula Littlefield said she had spotted orange-looking water at the Portsmouth City Council-run park in Hilsea yesterday when her children went into the water.

Paula said she saw urine and excrement overflowing out of the toilets on the site – and claimed this led to the waste overflowing into the pool.

The pool was closed so cleaners could come in.

But the council insists it is not possible for sewage to come up through the drains into the water. And the authority has recommended visitors use its My Portsmouth app to report issues.

Tory councillor Scott Harris, who represents Hilsea, said: ‘Hilsea splash park is very popular.

‘Like all splash parks it is unsupervised because it’s for under-eights who will be with an adult so it’s important parents take responsibility for behaviour so the park can be enjoyed by everyone.

‘It is not possible for sewage to enter the pool, the water quality is tested three times a day and cleaning crews visit morning and evening, any potential issues with raw sewage in the pool means it’s closed for 24 hours.

‘Small children do have accidents, so if this happens report it using My Portsmouth app and we can send someone down to make sure the pool is safe to use.

‘If everyone takes care using the park, getting rid of their litter, using the appropriate bins for used nappies and supervising children, then this will continue to be a lovely space for families to enjoy.’