I have lived on Canvey just over a year and several of my grandchildren have stayed with us.

Their ages range from five to 13 and they have thoroughly enjoyed being on the beach.

When the weather has been nice they have paddled, splashed and gone crabbing in the pool and my husband and I have been able to sit and watch them.

It seems such a shame they may be denied this entertainment if the closure goes ahead.

In this day and age, when children are spending more time indoors in front of a computer or television, does it make sense to take away a facility which provides fun, a healthy chance to be in the fresh air and a safe environment?

If the pool is taken away, the sea will be the only place to have a splash about. A safe and healthy environment?

Please think again and keep this well-loved pool open.

Mrs Linda Pye
Tilburg Road
Canvey

...As a child I played in the paddling pool at Concord Beach, Canvey. My children have paddled and fished for crabs there and hopefully one day I will be able to take my grandchildren there.

Last year the Times put Canvey seafront in its top ten places to visit for its “seaside feel”.

It seems incredible an integral part of this very seaside has now been voted by Conservative councillors to be removed when Southend has decided to keep its pool.

We are constantly being told to get up off the couch away from the telly, PCs and computer games, so what sort of message are we sending to children by removing what few free facilities they have?

Eve Mason
Thisselt Road
Canvey

...Having now attended a second public meeting on the possible demolition of the tidal pool at Concord Beach, I felt I must express my feelings on the matter.

It is my hope the faceless decision-makers of Castle Point Council will read this and start taking note of the public feeling on the island.

We do not want to lose this public amenity, which generations of islanders and visitors have enjoyed safely over the last 70 years.

It would be nice if some or all of the councillors who made this decision, without consultation, could have attended at least one of the meetings.

Had they done so, they would have seen both the numbers of people who had attended and the depth of feeling on this matter.

I would also like to remind those who take these unpopular decisions that this is an election year and people will have the opportunity to show what they feel about an issue like this at the ballot box.

L A Reavill
Eastern Esplanade
Canvey

...The decision to demolish this pool is a massive mistake.

In the 1950s my family and friends played in this pool. My children and grandchildren also played there as it is a safe place.

It has always been a family- friendly part of Canvey’s beach and many of our friends from off the island come to this pool.

This decision by the council is high-handed and short-sighted.

Sarah Binstead
San Remo Road
Canvey