A local landmark in Ventnor has been awarded silver in a national vote.
On Monday (16th September), the Seaside Heritage Network revealed its Bucket and Spade List of the Top 10 favourite seaside places at a celebration at The Plaza Cinema, an art deo picture house in Weston-Super-Mare.
The open-air paddling pool on Ventnor Esplanade was revealed to have come 2nd place in the competition of experiences as voted for by members of the public, pipped to the post by New Palace and Adventureland at New Brighton, Merseyside.
Ventnor Town Council manages the popular local landmark, a shallow pool with an Isle of Wight-shaped feature in the middle.
Mayor Councillor Steve Cooper has thanked everyone who voted and said the award was a reflection of the effort by those who look after the paddling pool:
“Ventnor Town Council was delighted to take part in the Seaside Heritage Network competition and very humbled, but proud that our sea front island paddling pool has achieved the runner-up slot. It is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike and by all ages and to be recognised is to say thank you to all that maintain and keep the asset looking so bright and welcoming”.
Voters in the competition were encouraged to leave comments as to why they believed it should be included in the top ten list for 2024, which included remarks such as:
“It’s so place specific and gives everyone who sees it or better still paddles in it a sense of local geography that jogs memories’ and ‘I first enjoyed this pool in the 60s and it is still as popular as ever. Free and well used whatever the weather with Ventnor beach just yards away”.
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