Parents are angry after a council confirmed it will not turn on a free children's water play facility this year.

Eastbourne Borough Council said it cannot turn on the splash pad in Princes Park, Eastbourne, this summer unless it receives external funding.

The council said this is because it costs around £25,000 a year to run the site.

However, since this decision was made, a campaign has been set up on Change.org by Eloise Turner, a concerned parent who said the play facility is a "lifesaver" for children and needs to be kept running.

READ MORE: Hospital celebrates opening of new Armed Forces commemorative garden

The campaign has over 750 signatures so far since it was set up on Friday.

Eloise wrote: "As a local resident and parent of two pre-schoolers, the struggle to find engaging activities for under fives in Eastbourne is real.

"Our children, among numerous others, have not had many local outlets to expend their energy and experience the joy of a simple, fun day outdoors. The splash pad in Princes Park is a lifesaver for families, especially in the scorching summer months.

"In the past, this beloved public amenity has provided a safe place for children to cool down and have fun right under the Eastbourne sun. For many of us, it remains a cherished part of our local community.

"We beseech the Eastbourne Town Council to take these realities into account and reopen the splash pad in Princes Park. Doing so will not only improve the quality of life for our citizenry, particularly the younger ones, but also send out a strong message about the council's commitment to its residents."

Since the campaign was launched, several parents have come forward in an attempt to urge the council to turn the splash pad on.

Andrew Hatchhard, one supporter of the petition, said: "This is a great free service for so many families, both local and visitors to our town.

"So many families can not afford the exorbitant prices that most attractions charge and splash parks like this are vital in developing a child's social skills. Please do not let our children down."

Another parent living in the town, Aaron Lewis, wrote: "My kids adore this park and it would crush them if it closed, they've been asking me for some time now to take them. I'm sick of letting them down."

Frankie Dryden said: "The children of Eastbourne look forward to this each year.

"With prices for local attractions increasing, this free attraction is essential for families struggling with the cost of living crisis."

A spokesman for Eastbourne Borough Council said: "Regrettably, unless external funding can be secured, we will not operate the splash pad this summer.

"Every summer it costs £25,000 to run and maintain the splash pad. We have sought external funding and remain open to that possibility if any organisation would like to discuss a sponsorship opportunity."