Rallying call to save our paddling pool (From Echo)

Rallying call to save our paddling pool

3:30pm Monday 8th March 2010 in

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CAMPAIGNERS want to get rid of the politics in a bid to save Canvey’s threatened paddling pool.

The Protect Our Pool Working Party is encouraging islanders to get behind their fight to overturn plans to demolish the tidal pool on Concord beach.

Castle Point’s Tory-run council is locked in talks with the island’s town council, which is controlled by Canvey Island Independent Party, over the cost of keeping the pool open.

Campaigner Lea Swann, 55, fears the two sides, politcal differences might scupper the chances of saving the pool.

Mrs Swann, who owns the nearby Concord Cafe, said: “The pool is not a political football. We want to hear from residents and get their views on how to save it.”

The campaigners are holding a public meeting at Smallgains Hall, in Creek Road, on Wednesday, from 7.30pm.

So far, more than 4,000 residents have signed petitions supporting the campaign, which is also backed by the Echo.

Castle Point Council plan to demolish the pool due to the expense of improvement works.

The authority estimates it will cost £58,000 to bring the pool up to health and safety standards and a further £38,000 to maintain it each year.

Canvey Town Council has offered to take over the running of the pool .