Theme park closes water play area after children ‘violently sick’

Part of Twinlakes attraction in Leicestershire shut as Public Health England investigates

Twinlakes theme park in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

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A theme park has been forced to close its water play area after dozens of children became “violently sick”.

At least “30 children” are said to have suffered sickness and diarrhoea after visiting the Twinlakes attraction in Leicestershire during an end-of-year trip on Wednesday.

Parents of pupils at Spring Bank Primary School, in Nottinghamshire, took to Facebook to raise their concerns after nursing their children through sickness overnight.

Vicki Maylor wrote: “My three children went on Wed on a coach of 23 children, 19 of these children were struck down with vomiting Thurs evening to Friday.

“My two boys where so sick it was awful, my daughter had diarrhoea. I do actually like Twinlakes and we have been lots of times in the past but this is the first time they went in the water park in a few years.”

Jo Beecham added: “We visited Wednesday three families and all six children went in the splash area and have all been terribly sick. Never seen my three children so sick it was horrendous.”

Another parent, Laura Crow, said her children “have been poorly since visiting on Wednesday,” adding that it was a “shame because we all had a lot of fun”.

Simon Taylor, who went on the school trip on Wednesday with his two sons, told Nottinghamshire Live he thought "around 30" children were sick afterwards.

However, others said their children had not been unwell after playing at the water park, and one annual pass holder said staff “are constantly cleaning the whole park and cleanliness and hygiene are second to none”.

Public Health England (PHE) said it was investigating the reports and that a water play area had been closed a precaution.

In a statement released on Friday, PHE East Midlands said it was working alongside Melton Borough Council and the theme park to “investigate reports and ensure any necessary public health actions are taken”.

Dr Vanessa MacGregor, consultant of communicable disease control at PHE, said: “There is no specific treatment for diarrhoea and vomiting so the public can help limit the spread of infection by staying away from their GP practice or hospital if they are feeling unwell.

“If diarrhoea and vomiting does become very severe and persistent however, then we advise you to telephone NHS 111 or your GP.”

Those with diarrhoea and vomiting are advised to avoid contact with others if possible and remain at home until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

The Independent has approached Twinlakes for comment.