New paddling pools work to start in Heavitree soon

Work to create new paddling pools in Heavitree is to begin shortly after ageing infrastructure forced the current pools to close for the summer, the City Council has revealed.

The pools had reopened to families at the beginning of June but were forced to close on Friday after some of the mechanics failed.

Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor with responsibility for Leisure Services and Healthy Living, said: “We know this news will be upsetting for families and residents who were looking forward to using the pools this summer, and we are sorry.

“Despite exploring every option to keep the facility open, the ageing equipment and systems have reached the end of their working life and can no longer operate reliably.

“The upgraded pools have already been designed, and although work had originally been scheduled to take place after the summer season, a contractor is now ready to begin sooner than planned.

“We share residents’ disappointment but recognise that this creates an opportunity to deliver a better, more sustainable facility for the future. In the meantime, the Splashpad in St Thomas remains open for families to enjoy over the summer months.”

Work will begin as soon as possible, bringing forward investment that will deliver a modern, reliable and inclusive water play facility.

All going well, the City Council hopes the new facility will be ready to open by the end of the summer.