A COUNCILLOR concerned over the safety of a controversial paddling pool has welcomed a council investigation.

Castle Point Council will look at how safe Concord Beach paddling pool is, following two safety reports and the temporary closure and reopening of the pool in the past few weeks.

Colin Letchford, Friends of Concord Beach chairman and independent councillor, said: “I am very pleased with the decision.

“Although I was excluded from the cabinet meeting, I will be able to present my views and concerns at the scrutiny meeting. Mainly I would like to see the bottom of the pool looked into and improved.

“Since the concrete base was installed, the bottom of the pool has become slippery. I would like to see the concrete stripped back to reveal the sand base underneath.

This would sort any problems with people slipping over.”

Tom Skipp, councillor responsible for leisure, said: “The scrutiny committee will need to be sure the council is taking all safety precautions to improve the pool.”

The scrutiny committee will hold a public meeting on July 8 at the council offices in Kiln Road to discuss the pool.