August 02, 2023 - 601 views
Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has branded the lack of progress on re-opening a popular seaside paddling pool in Rhos-on-Sea as ‘unacceptable’.
Conwy County Borough Council was criticised in April after it announced that paddling pools in Rhos-on-Sea, Llanfairfechan, Penmaenmawr and Craig y Don would not re-open in 2023 due to a high risk of people slipping, claiming that ‘the only UK provider and installer’ of a specialist anti-slip coating not being able to undertake the necessary work due to ill health.
In May, the local authority updated its communication to say that an alternative contractor had been found but failed to provide a timescale for the completion of the works.
At the time of publication, the paddling pool in Rhos-on-Sea remained empty and there were no signs of any work in progress.
After visiting the pool, in late July Mr Millar said: “Local residents are furious at the failure of Conwy County Borough Council to resolve the maintenance issues in local seaside paddling pools and get them open for the summer.
“The paddling pool in Rhos-on-Sea is a popular facility which has always been well-used by locals and visitors throughout the summer months. The lack of progress in getting it re-opened is totally unacceptable.
“I urge the local authority to pull out all the stops to get our paddling pools open as soon as possible.”
Rhos-on-Sea County Borough Councillors Jo Nuttall and Gareth Jones said: “In spite of promises we are yet to see any signs of work commencing at the paddling pool in Rhos. It is such a shame to see the pool empty when children are off school and families are looking for free activities for them to enjoy."
Cllr Aaron Wynne, Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure, said:
“We continue to work on our paddling pools, we’re dealing with a number of structural issues, and ensuring we’ll have a quality base and finish once completed.
“This is a major investment to secure the long term future of these much loved community assets, and we do appreciate the communities’ patience whilst we carry out this essential work. The local contractor has gone over and above and we’re very grateful to them for all their hard work.
“We’re committed to getting the work completed safely and the facilities open as soon as we can“.
