COUNCILLORS were left frozen out yesterday after a decision to unveil a new £200,000 splash park on one of the coldest days of the year.

The long-awaited splash park in Cutteslowe Park was officially unveiled yesterday but it was so cold the water features wouldn’t turn on.

The new facility, built to replace the existing pool, will be officially opened in May but had to be revealed to the press yesterday to secure a £50,000 grant money from not-for-profit body WREN.

But temperatures as low as -8C in the city overnight meant the water could not be switched on for the big reveal.

The splash park includes 10 water features, ranging from gentle mists and a meandering waterway, to fountains, a jet streams and a spray arch.

Last year Oxford City Council unveiled its new beach volleyball courts in the middle of winter for the same reason.

Council spokesman Tom Jennings said: “The £200,000 project was delivered with a £50,000 WREN grant which stipulated a project deadline for delivery by the end of November 2016.

“As part of the project communication plan with WREN we organised a low-key photocall once the installation was complete.

“The general public will have the opportunity to join at the official opening in May, which will include a host of other activities and events – and when we hope the weather will be warmer.”

City council member for leisure and parks, Linda Smith said: “The new splash play area means that Cutteslowe Park is now an even better destination for families with young children.”