A FIRM has been fined more than £27,000 after an accident at a Basildon leisure park left a wakeboarder with life-changing injuries.

JVP Leisure Ltd, the company that owns the Festival Wakeboard Park, was ordered to pay the fine and costs to Basildon Council at a hearing at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday.

The business was prosecuted following an incident where wakeboarder Euan Southcott, 43, sustained life-changing injuries. JVP Leisure Ltd admitted a violation of the Health and Safety Act after the experienced wakeboarder fell while using the jumps at Festival Leisure Park in June 2020.

An investigation by Basildon Council revealed that JVP Leisure Ltd had failed to adequately maintain the polypropylene boards used to make the jump surfaces at the wakeboard park. Due to this neglect, the board fractured when Southcott landed, resulting in his severe injuries.

Forensic checks revealed the board had weakened due to prolonged exposure to the elements. This caused hairline and more visible cracks, which should have been detected during routine maintenance checks.

The council’s investigation determined that JVP Leisure Ltd had failed to assess the risks posed by the obstacles to the public, and had not conducted adequate checks to ensure that the obstacles were in good condition.

The company, located at Andersons, Braintree Road, Felsted, pleaded guilty on March 13, 2024. It was found in violation of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Following the sentencing on Wednesday, the company was fined £27,135 and ordered to pay costs of £25,000 to Basildon Council.

Rachel Glover, Basildon Council’s Head of Environmental Health, said: “I am pleased that JVP Leisure Ltd has been successfully prosecuted following a thorough investigation led by Basildon Council. Environmental Health has worked with JVP Leisure Ltd on a number of occasions prior to the accident to assist them with complying with the law.

“This incident would have been avoided by carrying out safe maintenance procedures and following safe working practices. Basildon Council will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action where a business falls below the required safety standards.”

The Echo made attempts to contact JVP Leisure Ltd.