KIDDERMINSTER Town Council says it is aiming to reopen a popular tourist attraction next summer, writes Gabrielle Brown.
Residents have been campaigning to save the St Georges’s Paddling Pool since its closure in August 2022 due to health and safety concerns after being hit with a £104,000 bill to replace a pump.
The council stressed no final decision had been made regarding the re-opening of the paddling pool in 2026 however the Services Committee and the Working Group hoped to authorise officers to carry out research, including public consultation, if required, as well as full financial costings in April this year.
It is estimated it will cost £156,000 to get the pool up and running again.
In a survey asking residents how important the reopening of the pool was to them, 35 per cent said it was ‘very important’ and 28 per cent deemed it ‘fairly important’ or ‘slightly important’.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 0525009MMR3
The town council says it will continue to collaborate with the ‘Save St George’s Park Paddling Pool’ group to explore available options.
Further discussion on the matter is due during the Services Committee meeting in February.
Earlier this month, Kidderminster Town Council announced its public realm and operations team would be carrying out essential cleaning and maintenance at St George’s Park Paddling Pool.
It added: “The planned deep clean will help maintain the pool’s visual appearance and prevent deterioration.
“Please note that these works are strictly for maintenance purposes.”
The council thanked residents for their understanding and added works were weather dependent.
Visit the ‘Save St George’s Park Paddling Pool’ Facebook group for more on the campaign.
