A mother has criticised what she says is the ‘hidden’ pricing of Huddersfield’s new leisure centre.

Samantha Beaumont took her three-year-old son to the Splash Pool, but was told she’d have to pay extra for access to water slides that Harrison is too small and not old enough to even use.

Samantha, of Milnsbridge, was told the cheaper prices for access without using the slides don’t apply in the school holidays.

Instead of paying the extra, she and Harrison, aged three and a half, left. She said she will return next week when it’s cheaper.

She said: “I read that parents needed to book in advance so tried to, but I don’t have the card facility so couldn’t pay over the phone.

“I took a risk in turning up and waited and they told me I could book and pay cash, but I’d have to pay for the full price including access to the slides, rather than the price without slides.

“They said it was because it was half term, but it doesn’t say that anywhere online that I can see.

“It’s the principle of it. Why should I pay for something Harrison can’t use because he’s not tall enough or old enough?”

The Sidewinder slide and water flumes are both 7m tall and users must be at least 1.2m to use them.

The price list advertised online says juniors aged three to 16 can use the Splash Park for £3.15 without slides, or £5 with slides. The price for parents also rises with access to the slides, even if they can’t use them.

The Examiner could find no mention of alternative school holiday prices online, although there is mention of a ‘peak’ price it does’t state that it includes school holidays.

The Examiner has asked a PR firm currently representing KAL to clarify the pricing structure and a spokeswoman said: “During peak times (Monday-Friday 16:00-19:00, Saturday & Sunday
10:00-18:00 and school holidays 10:00-19:00) the slides are open in the Splash Park at Huddersfield Leisure Centre and a peak price is charged which includes use of the slides. The non-slide off peak price isn’t available.

“For those who don’t want to use the slides but still want to experience the Splash Park, usually parents with very young children, it is open without slides off peak Monday-Friday (10:00-16:00 during term time) and the off peak non-slide price is charged.

“Also for those people who don’t want to use the slides but want to swim at Huddersfield Leisure Centre a public swim takes place in the training pool seven days a week (see website for session times).

“Various sessions take place across all KAL pools during the school holidays and term time in order to cater for everyone.”

High demand has meant the splash park has been at its 200-plus capacity during this week’s school holidays, with leisure centre bosses advised parents to pre-book to avoid disappointment.