Green fingered children have taken matters into their own hands after a water leak restricted an area of St James’ Park in Shirley.

Children and their parents sprang into action on Monday evening, June 24, after flowing water washed debris and dirt from across the park into the main play area.

The water was caused by a redundant water hydrant on the site that had been tampered with the previous weekend.

A blocked drain prevented water from flowing away, meaning a pool of dirty brown water accumulated underneath the main play equipment.

On Monday afternoon the water was shut off again permanently, meaning the area was once again safe, however, a vast area of dirt and debris was left behind.

Children who often visit the park requested to help clean the area and volunteers from Friends of St James’ Park took time to oversee the big clean.

The group, which oversees the upkeep of the park, supplied brushes and gloves to help shift two wheelbarrows full of silt and compostable debris.

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Children cleaning up the play area in St James' Park (Image: Friends of St James' Park)

Sue Kinch, Communications Officer for Friends of St James’ Park, said: “The water supply being tampered with resulted in some hazardous conditions developing in the park over the weekend, when children were clearly extremely happy to be making the most of the flowing water in such hot weather.

“However, we have been inundated with messages of support since the weekend from local families who use the park and want to show their appreciation for all the hard work put in by our team of volunteers young and old, throughout the year.

“We were particularly delighted to welcome a group of children showing such generosity in wanting to help clean up the area for others after the flood – a big thank you goes to them.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: “We received a notification that the water hydrants in St James’ Park were tampered with over the weekend.

“We are grateful to the Friends of St James’ Park group who shut off the water and placed locks to hydrants to avoid further tampering.”

Asked if the council planned to reinstate a waterplay area in the park, the spokesperson said: “The council does not have any plans to reinstall a waterplay area back into the park at this time. 

“The council thanks the friends of St James’ Park for their ongoing community support.”