Eastbourne MP Calls On Southern Water To Fund Splash Pad Reopening

Josh Babarinde, the Member of Parliament for Eastbourne, has met with Southern Water’s Chief Executive, Lawrence Gosden, to push for wider community payback following the company’s repeated failures in the town.

During the meeting, Mr Babarinde urged Southern Water to “give back to our community” by helping to fund the reopening of the popular Splash Pad at Prince’s Park this summer.

The Splash Pad, which is free to use, is a much-loved and heavily used facility, particularly during the school holidays. It has been described as a “lifesaver” for families and provides an important space for children and parents alike.

The call forms part of Mr Babarinde’s wider campaign to secure funding for the Splash Pad’s reopening. It follows a £10,000 funding commitment from Eastbourne Borough Council earlier this week.

The Eastbourne MP has repeatedly raised the issue of water companies compensating local communities in the House of Commons.

He has also approached senior figures at South East Water to explore how the Splash Pad could be made more environmentally sustainable, including the potential use of water-recycling measures to reduce water waste.

In a statement, Mr Babarinde said:

“The Splash Pad is a much-loved community asset, used by thousands of Eastbourne families each year.

“Over the last several months, I have been negotiating with Southern Water for wider community payback.

“My discussions with Southern Water’s CEO were firm but constructive, and I hope they will confirm very soon whether they will meet my request to help fund the Splash Pad this summer.”