Paddling pool is a 'danger'

Councillor Graham Kirkland (Otley and Wharfedale, Lib Dem) has called for improvements to the paddling pool in Wharfemeadows Park after residents claimed that it was rundown and children were suffering cut feet from it.

Coun Kirkland said: "I have mixed feelings about the pool. Children definitely like it but it is prone to vandalism with broken bottles that are difficult to see and very bad news for feet.

"As a doctor I have seen a lot of lacerations over the years because of it. The surface is quite frankly worn out and unless the water is continually changed, filtered and disinfected, the water quality is very poor.

"We could do with closed circuit television to keep an eye on the area."

A spokeswoman for Leeds City Council's Leisure Services Department, which is responsible for the upkeep of the pool, said: "When it was first opened there were one or two rainstorms which resulted in a small amount of top soil from the flowerbeds being washed into it. But since then the pool has been cleaned every two to three days and we will continue to do this until the end of August.

"We will then make a decision about whether or not to continue filling the pool. This will depend on weather conditions."

She added that there were two signs close to the pool advising parents that children should wear something on their feet. "We hope parents will ensure that their children observe the normal standards of safety first when using the pool, which should allow everyone to enjoy the facility without discomfort," she said

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