More delays to reopening of Park paddling pools

11 hours ago

Susie RackWest Midlands

News image — Victoria Park paddling pool has historically been very popular with families in the warmer months

BBC A fenced-off children's paddling pool in a park, with splash pad including mini jets. It is surrounded by green and yellow flooring, with benches around the outside, and trees can be seen beyond. A purple sign on the gate says closed until further notice. — Victoria Park paddling pool has historically been very popular with families in the warmer months

Popular children's paddling pools in Warwick and Leamington parks will not reopen over May half-term, after further delays to a repair programme.

The pools, at St Nicholas Park and Victoria Park, were closed in 2024 "due to the end of their operational life", Warwick District Council said, and there is still no estimate for their reopening.

The Victoria Park pool facility opened briefly last summer after a refurb, but was swiftly shut again after a fortnight due to "technical issues".

Councillor Will Roberts, portfolio holder for neighbourhood, said: "We know how disappointing this news will be, especially for families who hoped to enjoy the paddling pools during the spring half-term holiday."

The council said the splash parks' repair programme had taken "longer than expected", but it was critical to fix problems and ensure the pools "remain durable for their intended lifespan".

It said last August it had not been satisfied with the quality of the work carried out so far, and would not reauthorise reopening until the contractor had rectified the issues.

Barriers around an empty paddling pool in a park. A sign says St Nicholas Park Paddling Pool. A skip and cardboard boxes can be seen around the outside of it. — The St Nicholas Park paddling pool's planned reopening last year was put on hold due to issues with repairs

Roberts added that residents had told him how important the paddling pools were, and he understood their frustration over the delays.

"While I am determined to see the paddling pools reopen in the summer, I will not compromise safety. It is essential that when they do reopen, they are built to last.

"We are continuing to work closely with the contractor to resolve the outstanding issues, and I want to reassure residents that I will keep them informed as soon as there is progress to share."

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