THE future of a popular Canvey seafront paddling pool is now secure after the town council agreed to take over running it.

Castle Point Council’s decision in January to demolish the pool sparked a public backlash, with thousands of residents signing petitions to save it.

Residents and the Echo joined forces in a campaign to save the pool, which forced a change of heart over the summer.

The borough council announced it was prepared to let the pool stay open, so long as Canvey Town Council took over its management.

Town councillors were initially reluctant to commit themselves to doing this, until they knew for certain the smaller authority could afford the running costs.

They finally agreed to take over the pool at a meeting this week.

Mother-of-three Sharon Scott, 37, of Gifhorn Road, Canvey, runs a Facebook site backing the campaign with almost 1,700 members.

She said: “This is such good news for the children and the whole of Canvey. We’ve campaigned for a long time and received so much public support, but it was worth all the time and effort.

“I would like to thank everyone, including the Echo, which played its part.”

Canvey coastguard Gary Foulger, 52, added: “I’m chuffed to bits. I learned to swim in there in 1964 and it means so much to me and people across Canvey and Benfleet.

“It’s free of charge and a safe place for children to play, rather than running the risk of them wondering out on the mud to the Thames, which has dangerous currents.

“It’s needed more than ever, now they’re dredging the Thames for the new port up-river.”

Dave Blackwell, former chairman of the town council, said: “It’s good news all round. We’ve agreed to take on management of the pool, but Castle Point Council will retain responsibility for the beach.”

Children have paddled and fished for crabs in the pool since the Thirties.

A spokesman for Castle Point Council said: “Castle Point Council has made a clear and unequivocal offer to the town council to allow it to take over the management of the seawater pool and surrounding beach area and is committed to working in partnership with the town council to achieve this outcome.”