The popular East Cowes paddling pool has been closed until further notice to allow engineers to inspect potential damage, just days after its much awaited reopening.
As Island Echo reported last week, the paddling pool located along the seafront reopened following extensive cleaning and refurbishment by contractors working on behalf of East Cowes Town Council.
Just several days later, parents who had visited the attraction reported that their children had come away from the pool covered in blue paint, thought to be from the bottom of the pool.
East Cowes Town Council has announced that due to these issues, alongside technical difficulties and a burst pipe, the pool will be closed immediately and drained to allow engineers to investigate and remedy the problems.
The Council is also investigating after reports were received of youngsters riding their bicycles in the pool on Friday evening, which it says could have caused damage to the surface and allowed water to seep under the paint surface, causing it to lift.
A spokesperson said:
“The cause of the paint lifting is being investigated by the Council and this will mean that the pool will be closed immediately to allow it to be drained. At the same time, we will be working on the leaking pipework.
“We realise how disappointing this will be to everyone, but we take our responsibilities to the community seriously and will always act in their best interests. We are hopeful that the pool will be open once again in time for the summer holidays.”
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The Town Council is also reassuring parents affected by the paint that it is in no way harmful and can be removed using soap and water and an exfoliating glove.
Funny how the ‘kids on bikes’ didnt get blue wheels, or leave blue lines to their houses????
Why are there no CCTV in the area? And what with the floating bridge fiasco, monkey town is once again becoming the laughing stock of the island,shame. Why don’t there town hall round up some volunteer Marshalls to keep an eye on things?
I just hope they sort it very quickly. With the hot weather forecast it’s a great pool for small children & safe. How did this mess up happen in the first place? Somebody is to blame, they should pay for the works needed to correct it.
Council cutting corners more like!
First the Floating Bridge, now they can’t paint a paddling pool.
Maybe get qualified tradesman who know what they’re doing and the conditions they should be applying these socialized coatings.
Specialised not socialised.
The paint hasn’t got covid
Did Hancock’s half hour team paint it? Rydes pool has been painted also, saw it today, still locked up though.
I think you mean specialised not socialised.