KIDDERMINSTER town council has claimed ‘unacceptable, threatening emails’ have been made to councillors as opposition builds against the planned closure of St George’s Park paddling pool.
A statement has been released by the authority less than a week before work is set to start on the closure of the paddling pool.
A group aiming to save the pool has stepped up its campaign efforts but has joined the town council in condemning the threatening emails as ‘appalling.’
The authority said that, while it welcomed debate, challenge, and constructive feedback on the issue, the threatening emails were unacceptable and will be reported to the police.
The statement added: “In its current condition, the paddling pool detracts from the amenities of the park, and it represents a hazard to users of the park.
“Future options for the use of this space will be considered, and the Council will discuss with the Friends of St. George’s Park and other users.
“However, we want to be absolutely clear: abuse, intimidation, or threatening behaviour towards councillors, Council employees or any member of our community will not be tolerated.
“Our councillors are elected to represent residents and are entitled to carry out their roles safely and without fear.
“Thank you to the many residents who continue to engage with us appropriately.”
The statement added that it had explored all options before reluctantly making the decision to remove the paddling pool.
The pool had been closed since 2022 on health and safety grounds, and in October, town councillors voted to close it.
A spokesperson for the Save St George’s Park Paddling pool campaign group said: “We were appalled to learn of these threatening emails.
“Whilst we understand these weren’t directly related to our campaign to Save the Paddling Pool, we wish it to be known that we do not condone or support such threats and have issued a statement of our own to this effect.
“We are aggrieved that the Council are seemingly in a rush to fill the pool in, given the length of time it has been left by them in its current sad and sorry state.
“Understandably, this sudden announcement has given rise to the public outcry which has ensued, as the people of Kidderminster are clearly passionate that it should be saved.
“It is a much-loved and valued heritage paddling pool which has been in the Park for over 40 years, and, up until now, there has been no public consultation regarding its closure.”
The campaign group launched a poll, and in less than three days, over 450 people have voted for the pool to be saved.
West Mercia Police confirmed no reports of threatening emails had been received from the town council when the Standard went to press.
