Park's pool refurbishment 'progressing as planned'

Andrew SpenceLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageRichard Madden / BBC The drained paddling pool at Pickering Park it is grey concrete with a patch of blue in the middle and is surrounded by tall treesRichard Madden / BBC
The paddling pool at Hull's Pickering Park has been shut since 2023

A paddling pool that was closed due to health and safety concerns is expected to be restored within weeks, a city council leader has said.

The facility at Pickering Park, Hull, has remained closed since 2023.

Hull City Council (HCC) had claimed the pool would open last summer after it put out a tender for a £540,000 refurbishment earlier that year.

Responding to a letter from Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy, councillor Mike Ross said the planned completion of the works is "late March / early April", but added this was dependent on weather conditions.

News imageRichard Madden / BBC The yellow Hull City Council Pickering Park sign outside the main gate with the city's crest in blue there are trees behind it Richard Madden / BBC
Councillor Mike Ross says work on the paddling pool is "progressing as planned"

In a letter to Ross, Hardy sought reassurance that the facility would reopen this year.

"It is essential that local families do not face yet another year without this much needed facility," the MP said.

In response, Ross confirmed that construction works were "progressing as planned" and the delivery of the works were split into two phases.

The first phase was completed before Christmas, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"Phase 2 is due to commence in early March and will consist of the laying of the new colourful rubber crumb pool surface, the remediation of the grassed area where the compound is located and finally the testing and commissioning of the system and staff training," Ross said.

He added: "The planned current completion of the works is late March/early April (weather dependent)."

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