A Watford councillor has slammed the construction of Cassiobury Park’s popular paddling pools following the most recent closure.

The £2.3 million pools have been plagued by public scrutiny since they opened at the beginning of July due to constant technical issues and breakages preventing entry.

After closing on Saturday, September 2, they reopened again on Friday, September 8, with the closure attributed to vital maintenance works.

Jagtar Singh Dhindsa, the longstanding Labour councillor for Vicarage Ward, said: “The pools are a shambles, they are closed more times than they are open.

“The Lib Dems are really good at delivering leaflets but not very good at delivering their services to Watford. This has been proven over the past 10 to 12 years.”

“The project is a total disaster, I think the Lib Dems have a lot of questions to answer about how this project has been planned.

“The pools were closed on the hottest day of the year over the August Bank Holiday. A summer of free fun in Watford has turned out to be a nightmare.

“Quite a few parents have contacted me saying they have turned up at the park and it has been shut. It’s disappointing - I feel frustrated for residents.

“I think the way they have delivered this project is one of the worst in the country.

“Their recent leaflet claims Cassiobury Park to be one of the best parks in England, and I think it’s one of the worst."

Liberal Democrat Cllr Peter Taylor, the deputy mayor of Watford, responded: “Cassiobury Park is loved and enjoyed by thousands of visitors every week who come from miles around to enjoy its natural beauty, heritage, sports facilities, events and family friendly atmosphere.

“Earlier this year Cassiobury was one of 11 Watford parks to win a Green Flag Award – the highest accolade a park can win.

“The visitor numbers at Cassiobury speak for themselves – it is the jewel in Watford’s crown and we are immensely proud of it.”