Hundreds of families who had flocked to cool off at a paddling pool today were left disappointed to discover Merton Council had failed to fill it up.
The paddling pool at Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields in West Barnes is supposed to be open from July 20 to September 1 from 10am to 5pm.
But instead families were left feeling the heat after finding it empty on one of the hottest days of the year which has seen temperatures creep into the 30s.
Nicola Flatman, 34, took her two children to the park today only to be left disappointed.
She said: "It’s ruined our day to be honest because it takes long time to get the kids packed up in the car because it’s really busy.
"The kids all have their swim suits and sun cream on and are ready to go in the paddling pool which is supposed to be open for the whole of the holidays.
"Everyone here is really disappointed and completely fed up.
"It was open when it was raining but not now.
"There are hundreds of families down here.
"A lot of people have left because there’s no water.
"They are all standing in the swimming pool and it is empty."
A spokesperson for Merton Council said: “We’re sorry for any disappointment families may have experienced who turned up to use the paddling pool today.
"We know how much people love our paddling pools in Merton, which is why we’ve ensured they’ve all remained open as key features in our parks during the summer holidays.
"Fortunately this is a very rare occurrence, and we can assure everyone that all our paddling pools will be filled tomorrow and for the rest of the summer for the children to enjoy in the sun. ”
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