Heavitree paddling pools closed as safety precaution

The City Council has apologised to users of its paddling pools in Heavitree after having to close them to carry out essential maintenance work.

The paddling pools in Heavitree Pleasure Ground have had to close after reports of a number of children slipping on the newly painted surface.

Cllr Stephen Brimble, Lead Councillor for Place, said it was frustrating given the warm and sunny weather but safety was the Council’s number one priority.

“Unfortunately we have had to drain the pools in Heavitree and will be repainting the surfaces using a paint with more sand in it to provide more grip underfoot.

“I can understand people’s frustrations, especially with the weather as it is, but we cannot have anyone getting hurt because of this. Fortunately the Splash Pad in St Thomas Pleasure Ground remains open for business for anyone wishing to cool off in the heat!”

The pools are likely to be out of action for a number of days. The surface has been prepared ahead of painting but because rain is expected over the weekend, the work cannot be completed until next week. The paint will then need 48 hours to dry and the Council will notify people when they are back in action through its Facebook and Twitter accounts and the local media.

“I can only apologise to anyone who was planning to use the facilities for the inconvenience this has caused but for safety’s sake we have to get this right,” said Cllr Brimble.

Once they have reopened, the paddling pools will be available to use throughout the summer, right up until mid-September.