A new water play area for children has opened in the Latchmere Leisure Centre swimming pool.

Battersea's leisure centre said "children and toddlers will have even more of a reason to ask mums and dads to bring them to the pool" as it revealed the new feature today (Tuesday, February 14).

The leisure centre has designed the colourful installation to suit all swimming abilities of children aged under eight.

The new water feature at Latchmere Leisure Centre (Credit: Wandsworth Council)

Water jets, water channels, hand wheels, fill'n'spill buckets, mirrors and a fish shaped shower arm, plus a designated toddler's water slide, aim to inspire water confidence in younger children.

Earlier this month, Wandsworth Council announced it will budget the funding of free gym and swimming facilities for residents on Universal Credit.

The council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Judi Gasser, visited Battersea yesterday to formally open the new play area in Latchmere Leisure Centre.

Amy Lake and Cllr Gasser at the opening

She said: " I used to love bringing my children here. This is a great addition to the leisure centre and should prove a big hit with younger visitors to the pool. 

"Not only will it provide them with lots of fun activities but it should also help younger children feel more confident in the water, which I'm sure parents will welcome. 

"I'd like to thank our leisure centres contractor Places Leisure for installing this exciting new play feature." 

Places Leisure's general manager Amy Lake added: "We're delighted with the installation of the new interactive water feature, It's a fantastic addition to the centre and we hope families enjoy swimming at Latchmere Leisure Centre for many years to come."

Latchmere Leisure Centre is located on Burns Road and open every weekday between 6.30am and 9.30pm, and at weekends from 7.45am to 4.30pm.

For more information visit https://www.placesleisure.org/centres/latchmere-leisure-centre/ or email [email protected].