A SEAFRONT paddling pool could be saved by Canvey Town Council.

The council said it will pay for the upkeep of the much-loved tidal pool, and the offer gives Castle Point Council the chance to back down on its controversial plan.

The decision to close the pool has sparked mass protest on the island with hundreds of banner-wavers gathering on Sunday to show their disapproval.

The town council is showing it means business by calling an emergency meeting on Tuesday night to discuss the proposal.

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, said: “We are offering Castle Point Council an opportunity to save the pool.

“If it ignores our offer then it will be accountable to the people of Canvey.”

However, the two authorities disagree on the cost of maintaining the pool.

Castle Point Council claims the annual expense would be £25,000, which includes the cost of employing a lifeguard.

However the town council believes the figure is more like £4,000 a year, and has offered to take over responsibility.

Mr Blackwell said: “All this talk of a lifeguard is ridiculous. We’ve been in touch with Southend Council and it has told us it doesn’t employ one for its paddling pools.”

It will also cost £58,000 to bring the pool up to current health and safety standards, and the town council has offered to pay £8,000 towards it.

That would leave Castle Point Council to foot the other £50,000 – the same amount it would cost the authority to destroy it.

David Merchant, chief executive of Castle Point Council, said: “We are considering the town council’s request.”

Protest organiser Lea Swann, 55, who owns the nearby Concord Cafe, in Eastern Esplanade, said: “I thought people ought to know about this and hoped they cared.The response has been utterly overwhelming, its stirred up so much emotion.

“I think the town council’s plans are excellent.”

The pool has been a popular feature on Canvey since the Thirties.

Tonight’s meeting will be held from 7.30pm at the Paddocks in Long Road.