Following the opening of Didcot's new splash pad at the end of July, the town council has responded to questions it has received regarding the facility's opening hours and location.

The facility in Edmonds Park, a free water play area, was opened to the public on July 31.

The council thanked those who attended the opening but noted there had been some questions raised on social media surrounding various aspects of the facility.

The splash pad will initially open from midday to 4pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and from midday to 3pm on Sundays during the summer.

The reasoning behind these hours is largely due to staffing requirements.

The on-site building that houses the changing facilities and toilets must be manned during these hours.

The splash pad also operates a refreshments kiosk staffed by the council.

The council explained the water in the splash pad must be tested at least three times a day for safety.

If required, the chemical levels are adjusted by two qualified council staff who need to be on call seven days a week.

Both members of staff, who work full-time for the council in other departments, took a three-day course to obtain their qualifications.

A team of eight temporary workers, who are also students, were trained to help in this process.

Some of these will be leaving the town at the beginning of September for university.

The splash pad undergoes cleaning before and after each use, taking up to two hours each time.

The facility has on occasion been littered with rogue items like chips and broken glass which require additional effort to clear.

The council also addressed the facility's location, which is close to a main road.

It is fenced, with designated sitting areas outside the fence positioned so parents can supervise their children.

This placement is also designed to deter people from eating next to the splash pad, minimizing the risk of food ending up in the filters and causing shutdown - which would result in thefacility being closed for at least 24 hours.

The council is planning continued development of the area surrounding the splash pad.

More benches and bins will be added, and the area will be landscaped in due course.

The council said the pad being situated next to the pavilion allows users the use of the facilities without having to walk across the field.

It asked for patience and understanding as the splash pad's first season progresses, adding the facility's operation and its management will undergo review and potential improvements after its first year.