The plug has been pulled as drainage works continue at a waterlogged site in Bordon.
Mill Chase recreation ground has been dubbed “The Bordon Lido” by locals as the area has under several inches of water for much of the winter.
But there won’t be much use for armbands and swimming trunks for much longer, as works to improve drainage in the area have made a huge impact.
A new pipe has been laid as part of the bid by Miller Homes as part of their approved plan to build 147 homes on the former school site.
The system went live on February 29 with water levels dropping visibly despite heavy continuous rainfall.
The work, which has led to several weeks of disruption and roadworks around Washford Lane, isn’t completed yet as water levels need to drop further before engineering works on town council land can begin.
But the site is definitely looking more like a park and less like a swimming pool, with ducks and paddleboarders having to look further afield for a watery fix.
“The water is disappearing and green stuff is starting to appear,” joked Cllr Andy Tree at the Annual Whitehill Town Assembly on Thursday (March 14) while comments have been made online about “someone pulling the plug” and draining the site.
Meanwhile, Hampshire County Council has announced plans to install a new parallel crossing point close on Budds Way, a few dozen yards west of the junction near Havannah Way.