The new Labour council has laid out its grand plan for Coate Water Country Park. 

Cabinet member for highways and environment Chris Watts addressed the town's popular outdoor attraction and said that it should be the "jewel in the crown of our country parks".

In his statement from the meeting on July 13, shared on social media, he highlighted that he wants to replace the failing splash park, re-open the out-of-use pitch and putt and crazy golf facilities and make progress on opening a new cafe. 

But he also pointed to what he perceives to be problematic handling of some aspects of the country park by the previous Conservative administration. 

He said: "I have met with senior officers this week, whom I have challenged to produce a master plan, including a business plan.

"A master plan currently does not exist, and no tangible process had previously been made on the introduction of a new cafe facility.

"The money for a new splash park has been in place for some time and it is regrettable that work has not been started, risking another year of breakdowns and disappointed children over the summer months."

Coun Watts added that the council had been left with the headache of supporting a 'staggeringly' expensive £500,000 playground commissioned on a single tender and without a suitable service level agreement or support if pieces fail. 

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He also criticised the lack of a maintenance plan for the diving board after £100,000 was spent to clean it. 

But councillor Matty Courtliff, who was previously responsible for the park has accused Coun Watts of being "inaccurate" and "point scoring". 

He then explained what had been done during his time in charge in response.

He said that he was assured that the diving board would be regularly cleaned and that officers were set to proceed with the procurement of a new splash park. 

According to Coun Courtliff, £400,000 in funding had been secured with £250,000 going towards the splash park and £150,000 for a new cafe.

Alongside this, a concept for a lakeside restaurant had also been developed and was ready for £650,000 to clear from the sale of land at Moredon. 

Finally, he said that the pitch and putt site was set to go out for full tender. 

"We had a clear vision to make Coate the premier family leisure venue in Swindon and I hope that Coun Watts puts his energy into achieving this for the benefit of Swindon's residents.”