A new £225,000 play area in Norwood Park closed the day it opened, sparking fears it was shut for health and safety reasons after a child was injured.

The new water park was opened as part of the Norwood Expo on Saturday, July 24, which attracted some 1,500 visitors.

Parents feared the new facility was later closed after a six-year-old hurt her hand after it was allegedly trapped by a piece of equipment.

But Lambeth Council said the closure was planned to finish the work, but the decision had been made to open it briefly at the Expo, as it had been given the green light by health and safety inspectors.

Councillor Pete Robbins, cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We are sorry if some parents thought the water park was opening permanently, but it seemed a shame not to let children try it out when was fit for use in time for the Norwood Park Expo on Saturday.

“However, it was always the case that it would then close again for a few weeks while some minor alterations were made, to bring in some extra pieces of equipment.

“Given how enthusiastically the children reacted to it on Saturday, it seems certain that it will prove hugely popular for many years to come, when it permanently opens in a few weeks time.

“We are always concerned to hear if someone is hurt, but the park meets all national standards on safety and has been approved by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, and the play was supervised on Saturday.”

Event organisers the Norwood Forum hailed the expo, where magic shows, drama, dance, drumming and arts workshops entertained the crowds – who could also find out about council services – as a great success.