WORCESTER'S popular splashpad will be open later in the afternoon from now on to allow people to enjoy the warm weather.

The extended hours, until 6pm, do not usually start until the beginning of July but a decision was made to bring them forward after visitors to the splashpad raised the issue yesterday (Tuesday).

Emma Gannon Edwards contacted us to say that youngsters were disappointed when the water was turned off at the splashpad, in Gheluvelt Park, at the usual time of 4pm despite lots of children still being in the park cooling off in the water.

After she spoke to the park keeper, Worcester City Council decided to turn the water back on until 6pm and bring forward the start of its later opening hours by ten days.

A spokesman from Worcester City Council said: "There have been a few occasions, around the May half term, when it was warm when we kept it on later during that period.

"But when it stays on there always has to be someone on hand so we need to make sure a member of staff is available.

"It's not always easy to decide to do it on the spot.

"Given the warm weather we have decided to introduce that later opening time slightly earlier than usual."