AN OUTDOOR children’s paddling pool on Canvey remains closed for the first time in decades this week because of unfinished council maintenance work.

Castle Point Council has announced the pool, at the Paddocks, in Long Road, will not reopen until mid-June because of refurbishment work.

The pool and a nearby sandpit and play area, opens every year in time for the spring bank holiday and half term school break, then closes at the end of August.

The council is repainting the pool, building new islands in it and replacing sand in the sandpit.

But Canvey borough councillor John Anderson is outraged at the delay.

He said: “It’s absolutely disgraceful. The council has had the whole winter to do the work.

“It’s not much more than a lick of paint. They can do that sort of thing in a day or two on reality TV programmes, so why has it taken the council so long?

“The council thinks because it’s on Canvey, it can wait.”

Peter Burch, councillor responsible for leisure and environment, said the unpredictable weather in the winter and meant the refurbishment could only be done in the spring.

He added: “The work is going to involve concreting and you can’t do it during cold snaps. Even in April, the weather is unpredictable.

“Its only a bare paddling pool at the moment and once we have finished, it’s going to be a much better facility for children to enjoy.”

Once the refurbishment is complete, the opening date will be advertised on council noticeboards and the council website.

Three-hour sessions at the paddling pool and playground will cost £1. Sessions will run from 10am to 1pm and 1pm to 4pm.