Summers in Swindon could get a little duller and more dry - but only because the Splash park at Coate Water is possibly earmarked for closure.

The proposed budget for 2019-20 for Swindon Borough Council suggests closing the park to save £10,000 .

While no jobs are at risk of the park closes, also in the budget is the proposal to "consider options" at the nearby pitch and putt course. That could see one job going and a saving made of £20,000.

Parents in the town expressed dismay that a popular facility, and an invaluable one for families in hot weather, might be taken away, although the park was closed for much of last summer's heatwave after suffering breakdowns.

Tejaswini Kadao took her son Edhan, aged, four to the park last summer. She said: "We went three of four times, but for two or three of those times it was out of order, so that was disappointing.

"It's a nice place to take children when its working, they really enjoy playing in the water - all children love water - and I'd be sorry if it was closed permanently."

Father of two, Jim Keelan, 44, felt the same. He said: "They get really irritable when it's really hot, so the splash park's been useful to take them to cool down and after that they give us a bit of peace. I hope it doesn't close."

Ravleen Madan said she took her son Samreet, five, to the park only once last year. "He really liked it though.It would be a shame if it closed."

Brigdet Hankin said: "I think we need more things for children, so I would prefer it to stay open. We did go a couple of times last summer before it all closed down."

The council says that the equipment in the park is ageing and suffering more and more malfunctions, and the costs of keeping it open may become too high.

It offered some hope for children - saying a new playground at the park may not be impossible.

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said: “This summer, there have been a number of mechanical problems that resulted in the park having to be closed for certain periods.

“The splash park has been in use for seven years and we are now beginning to see a number of significant mechanical failures due to its age and increasing maintenance costs, which are coming in over budget due to essential repairs. This will continue to increase as the facility ages.

“The manufacturer has advised that ongoing maintenance issues due to wear and tear will increase just to keep the facility running. Therefore, the option to close it is being considered.

“Funding may become available within the next few years for providing a facility that is available all year round, such as a children’s play space. This will maximise the use and cost effectiveness of the facility.”

The proposed budget for next year has been approved by cabinet and will go out for public consultation before the final decision is taken by councillors in February.