Mid Devon paddling pools reopen

A campaign to save them worked

Mid Devon’s public paddling pools have reopened for the summer, weeks after a successful campaign to save them.

More than 2,500 people signed an online petition earlier this year calling for the pool at Westexe Recreation Ground to be saved amid fears Mid Devon District Council may shut it to save costs.

The council, which runs another pool at Newcombes Meadow in Crediton, had considered mothballing both because of a budget gap of hundreds-of-thousands of pounds.

But it later reversed the plans after hearing the strength of feeling from locals, agreeing to take £15,000 out of reserves to keep the pools open this summer. On Friday 26 May the pools reopened.

Councillors also previously agreed to review how they are funded in future, with the potential for town councils and sponsors to help with running costs.
Maintenance work has been carried out on both pools over the off-season, and council staff will be checking them for water quality and safety throughout the opening times.

Lee Chester, operations manager for leisure services, said: “We know both these pools are much-loved assets for the local community and especially popular when we have warm weather.

"It is great to see them used so much and we look forward to welcoming children and their families back to the water, especially as the sun has made a welcome appearance in time for half term!”

“We also ask visitors respect the facility and other users whilst taking responsibility for their belongings and any waste, in order to support us in the running of the two pools. We also ask visitors to report any acts of vandalism or damage to us as soon as possible.”

The pools will be open between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the end of the school summer holidays. The last day to use the pool this summer is Sunday 10 September.