REFURBISHMENT efforts on a paddling pool that was unable to avoid the brunt of Storm Pierrick have been delayed.

On Tuesday, April 9, during high tides and strong winds, waves crashed over the rails in Craig-y-Don, filling up the paddling pool.

Anti-slip works were expected to be completed at the site in line with the other paddling pools in Conwy; Work on Llanfairfechan paddling pool has been completed and contractors are entering the final stages of work at Rhos-on-Sea and Penmaenmawr.

Conwy County Borough Council said it will take a "few days" to empty Craig-y-Don paddling pool, clear debris, and inspect for storm damage before work can continue.

Cllr Frank Bradfield, of Craig y Don ward, said: "The Craig-y-Don paddling pool holds more water than the Llandudno Swimming Pool and with all the rain we have had, the paddling pool unfortunately filled with water holding back the work that was hoped to be completed along with the other paddling pools in Conwy.

"It was reported that Storm Pierrick caused more water and debris into the pool and that it would take a few days to clear but I should think, and hope, that has been completed now and the damage it caused has been inspected."

Cllr Bradfield believes work is still on schedule to be completed in time for the summer season.

He added: "There is a lot at stake here and Conwy Council has invested a lot in its paddling pools but they must be fit for purpose so that every family that visits Llandudno can have the confidence that our pools, including Llandudno's, are safe."

Cllr Bradfield has recently received correspondence from the ERF Facilities Management at Conwy Council.

They confirmed to the councillor that the programme of work had been affected by recent weather events and a focus was being put on the clean-up and inspection of the pool tank to identify any damage.

This will be attended to before the final coatings are applied.

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The local authority came under heavy criticism last year after it revealed in April 2023 that all four paddling pools [Craig y Don, Rhos-on-Sea, Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan] would not re-open that summer due to a high risk of people slipping.

A spokesperson for the council said: "All major construction work has taken place [at Rhos-on-Sea and Penmaenmawr], with the final stages just requiring a period of dry weather to complete.

"We have invested heavily in all of our paddling pools over the past year to ensure their future is secure and we are grateful for the patience of our communities whilst this essential work has been taking place."