AN APPEAL has been launched in a bid to raise funds to save the much-loved paddling pool at Kidderminster’s St George’s Park.
Kidderminster Town Council is due to make its decision about the future of the pool on October 22.
The cost of repairs are estimated at around £220,000 and it is thought the town council would struggle to find the funds for the project, having already had to take out a loan to complete the renovation works at Kidderminster Town Hall.
Now the Save the St George’s Park Paddling Pool group is calling for help to ensure the attraction has a future.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 0525009MMR2
Wyre Forest District Councillor, Coun Fran Oborski MBE, who is also a member of the group, said:
“The pool serves an area of Kidderminster which has high levels of deprivation where many families cannot afford to take their children away on holiday.”
And issuing a rallying call to residents, she said: “It is vital that everyone who wants the pool to be saved contacts their local town councillors or the town council’s Chief Executive Hugh Peacocke and urges them to save the pool.”
She has also urged people to get in touch with Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier and issued a plea to any local businesses or philanthropists who could help to get in touch.
“We are very worried that, without this local facility, some families may let their children paddle in the brook in Broadwaters Park or in other streams where water may well be polluted.
“It is absolutely vital that anyone who wants the pool to be saved makes their voice heard now.”
The community has already raised £10,000, but more help will be needed if the campaign is going to be successful.
“If businesses want to sponsor the pool or entrepreneurs can fund parts of the work, we want them to get in touch.
“We will know more on October 22 and if we have some more sponsorship and funding in place, we may be able to get the council to give us some time to find the rest.”
Kidderminster Town Council said it had actively supported the Save the Paddling Pool’ campaign whenever called upon, demonstrating its commitment to providing support and information to the group.
Anyone who can help should email Coun Oborski at: [email protected] to let her know.
To contact the Kidderminster Town Council Chief Executive, email: [email protected] and people can go to: kidderminstertowncouncil.gov.uk to find out who their local councillor is.
And email: [email protected] to contact Mark Garnier MP.
For the latest updates on the campaign, visit the ‘Save St George’s Park Paddling Pool’ Facebook page.
