A council has announced a popular tourist attraction will not be opening this year.

Maldon District Council announced the splash park and beach huts in the Valley area of Promenade Park will not be opening this year.

Director of service delivery Richard Holmes said: "All water parks in the country will be facing the same difficult decision and timescale pressures of the summer months.

"The council expects to receive an update on reopening of pools and water parks from government mid-July.

"We know the continued closure will be a disappointment for residents and visitors.

"Sadly, however, it’s not a case of simply turning on the taps.

"A specialist company is required to bring the splash park back into service after its winter shutdown in September 2019 and this request has already been booked and cancelled twice.

"Each year we recruit and train staff to operate the park and ensure public safety.

"Safeguarding requirements for the disclosure barring service checks take at least six to ten weeks, by which time the season will have unfortunately come to an end.

"We understand that this will be a great disappointment to many of you who come to Promenade Park, and we are disappointed too. However, to reopen a facility where we could put users at risk would be irresponsible of us.

"The health and welfare of visitors is always our priority."