Councillors have been told that works of up to £150,000 are needed to allow Maldon Splash Park to operate next year and prevent it closing "indefinitely", amid concerns over health and safety.

Maldon District Council officers said up to £140,000 is needed to replace the surface of the popular attraction in Promenade Park, which opened in 2006, and £10,000 for essential electrical work.

In a report, Chris Leslie, director of resources at the council, said: "Without the investment in a new surface the splash park will be unable to operate during 2022/23 and would remain closed indefinitely.

"The closure would be a significant loss to the district's tourism offer, as well as to local residents."

The surface has continued to deteriorate after repairs for the 2021 season were carried out this year.

Mr Leslie said recent inspections had "highlighted the poor condition of the surface and identified the health and safety risk of both trip hazards as well as the risk of encouraging bacterial growth".

He added: "The facility has been well-maintained, and repairs have been undertaken to maximise its use, but due to the age of the facility it has reached a point where the whole surface of the splash park would need to be replaced.

"The lifespan of a surface of this type would generally be 10 years so it has lasted one and a half times as long as would normally be expected."

Officers have recommended the council allocate a budget of £150,000 to cover the estimated cost of the works.

The council's strategy and resources committee will make a decision on the recommendation at its next meeting on 6 January.

If approved, the works will begin in the spring to reduce the risk of significantly delaying the opening of the attraction in summer.