In comparing the fiasco of dead trees on Canvey with the paddling pool saga, Chas Mumford belittles the safety of children (Sept 28).
True, it must be embarrassing for Dave Blackwell, with his horticultural background, to be the chairman of the committee which organised the tree planting. Many trees died at a cost of £10,000, but as far as I know no one was injured.
On the other hand, the new pool cost £250,000 and was flawed from the beginning.
Despite concerns, Castle Point Council continued to allow the public to use it and several people were seriously injured.
The council blames the East of England Development Agency. The agency confirms the contracts regarding the pool were “novated”, a legal term for the contracts being rewritten.
The council signed the new contracts giving itself responsibility for the completion and maintenance of the pool.
Colin Letchford
Maurice Road
Canvey
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