THE Cotswold Water Park Trust has announced a new operator for Keynes Country Park.

Planning Solutions Limited has been selected to take over the popular local beach and attraction, which has been closed since December 10.

PSL has successfully developed and run Conkers, 120 acres of award-winning indoor and outdoor activities in the heart of the National Forest, since 1997.

PSL was appointed by the Trust after an exhaustive selection process which focused on the need for top standards of safety management, consideration of local communities and the environment, and a modern approach to entertainment and adventure for its customers.

A substantial programme of repair and renewal was has been necessary at the end of the previous lease and as a result, the Trust and as a result the park cannot be opened safely at Easter but park will re-open on May 26.

A spokesman said: “Both the Trust and PSL share the frustration of the park’s supporters and visitors but look forward to welcoming visitors to the newly refurbished attraction from the end of May.”Please note that whilst the Park and Beach is closed, Head4Heights Ltd continue to operate at the site as normal – refer to their website www.head4heights.net for more details.

Sir David John, chairman of the Cotswold Water Park Trust, said: “We are very pleased to be beginning a collaboration with PSL. And we are confident that the new operation will be of a standard of which both the many visitors and the local community will be proud.

“It is high time this major asset of the Water Park was back providing a service to family and friends and we look forward to seeing the community enjoying its new facilities.”

Mike Stickland, chief executive of PSL said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the new operators of the countrypark and beach area which we believe has great potential to become an important family attraction within the overall Cotswold Water Park.

“Planning Solutions will be introducing a range of new leisure activities before the summer.

“This will create a great family day out with a vibrant mix of facilities to support the natural beach environment which is unique within the country park.

“After extensive refurbishment works the park will re-open on Friday, May 26, with additional activities being introduced before the summer holidays.”