On two of the hottest days of the year, children and parents in Colliers Wood were “fuming” after a public paddling pool was left empty.

Visitors to the Colliers Wood Recreation Ground were told that the park’s groundsman was off work as temperatures soared to 30C (86F) last Thursday and yesterday.

And while pool was open at the weekend, parents were left frustrated as they sought to take advantage of the balmy sunshine at the beginning of the school holidays.

Suki Bethel from Bygrove Road, Colliers Wood, said: “Just what are we paying our council taxes for if on the hottest day of the year, we can’t even use a paddling pool with water in. There are so many people here who are absolutely fuming.

“My kids have ended up bickering because they’re so hot, and there’s no where for them to go. It’s an absolute nightmare. We had such a great day planned and now it’s gone to pot.”

Susan Westrop from Briscoe Road, Colliers Wood, added: “I just can’t believe it’s closed yet again. We’ve been trying to find out why but haven’t been given any decent answers yet.”

According to Merton Council, all eight of the borough’s out-door pools should be open from July 14 to the end of the school holidays in September. A private company is contracted to operate the pools during this time.

A Merton Council spokeswoman confirmed that the groundsman for the Colliers Wood Recreation Ground had been off sick but anticipated the pool would be open as normal, the next day.