WARMINSTER town park’s paddling pool was officially reopened on Monday morning.

The opening, which came after months of repair work and repainting, was in jeopardy when it was discovered that the water tap had been vandalised on Thursday afternoon by someone who had managed to get past the protective barriers.

But the town council was able to have the damage repaired and began to fill the pool on Monday morning.

Councillors Pip Ridout, Andrew Davis, Sue Fraser and Keith Humphries attended the opening along with town clerk Heather Abernethie and town council officers Stuart Legg and Judith Halls.

Councillor Ridout said: “We are delighted that we were able to open the paddling pool at the beginning of the school holidays.

“We’ve had such a good spell of weather recently and are hoping this will continue so that the children can get maximum enjoyment from one of the star features of our wonderful park.

“We will be continuing to make improvements once the park is fully transferred to town council ownership, as we are aware of how upset our residents have been about recent neglect.”

Soon after the paddling pool reopened, dozens of families rushed to it, all eager to be the first ones to test the new and improved pool.

Chloe Golding, of Ashley Coombe, was the first person to take a dip with her 15-month-old toddler, Maddie, and friend Mandy McGarrigle.

Mrs Golding, 27, said: "It was lovely taking a dip in the pool. We just went down for a picnic so the timing worked out quite well.

"We didn't have any towels with us so there were a few wet toddlers, but it was worth it.

"I think it's great that the council are working towards getting these facilities open again, we need a central meeting point in the town, especially now that the children's centre has closed."

In recent weeks, following complaints from the public, general maintenance work has been carried out in the park including the trimming of hedges, cutting of grass and repainting of the bandstand and entrance gate.

Town Clerk Heather Abernethie said: "We're delighted to have the paddling pool back in action and we will now turn our attention to future plans for the park.

"The biggest project is going to be the lake, firstly making it look nicer and then getting boats back on it. That will be a slightly longer process than the paddling pool."