Warminster Town Council has finally and officially launched its new space-themed splash pad in the Lake Pleasure Grounds.

The £379,849 splash pad was opened by Warminster Mayor councillor Chris Robbins and replaces as 70-year-old paddling pool that could no longer be repaired.

Local interest in the splash pad has been huge with people from nearby towns and villages planning trips to Warminster to have a go - and more than 43,000 people have been reached on Facebook in just four days.

Cllr Robbins said that the pad has been "eagerly awaited" by both parents and children, and that he is sure it will bring "much enjoyment to hundreds if not thousands of our community over the next 20 years".

This new facility replaces the paddling pool which was over 70 years old and could no longer be repaired.

The space-themed design includes the Sun, Earth, Planets, Stars and Space Craft. There are a number of water features including a blaster, tipping buckets, water jets and a paddling area.

Cllr Robbins added: “My children used the paddling pool, now my grandchildren can use the splash pad. This facility is another major investment in the Lake Pleasure Grounds by the town council, and if as popular as the skate park, will be a wonderful addition.

“There were many hurdles to overcome, we had to bring in more power to work the pump, a new water connection and build a water storage tank.

“We have invested in a water recycling system which goes along with our pledge to become a more responsible council, delivering a brighter greener future for all. We calculated that in 10 years’ time hopefully the savings on water will pay the bill."

A large part of the bill has been financed by the Dewey Trust, and the Community Infrastructure Levy structure is payable by developers.

Cllr Robbins thanked the Trustees of the Dewey Trust for their support, and said: “Finally, I wish to praise and thank my fellow councillors for their considerable efforts, the staff at Warminster Town Council for their continued hard work, and our employees who will no doubt keep this facility flowing.

“Completion of this project was, of course, planned just before the celebration of HM Queen’s Platinum weekend of festivities whose reign has outlasted our retired paddling pool. I now declare this splash pad officially open.”