EFFORTS are being ramped up to get four paddling pools deemed "too slippery" open for the summer.
Conwy County Borough Council was slammed by Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, after saying it would not be re-opening its pools in Craig y Don, Llanfairfechan, Penmaenmawr and Rhos on Sea as normal this May and for claiming the "only UK provider" was unable to carry out work [to apply a specialist anti-slip coating to surfaces] due to sudden ill health.
Now, after pressure from politicians and the public, the council is stepping up efforts to resolve the situation.
A spokesperson from Conwy Council said: "We know our paddling pools are hugely popular and we’re doing all we can to resolve the situation.
"We had contractual arrangements in place to undertake the work but unfortunately we have been let down at the last minute due to specific issues within the firm employed.
"We are urgently trying to find an alternative solution, including sourcing other products that meet the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommended requirements and ensure the safety of everyone using our paddling pools.
"In the meantime, preparatory work will be starting on site to enable the works to progress as soon as practically possible."
The council made the decision not to open its paddling pools following a full safety audit of all sites. Some areas were deemed as "a high slip risk".
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Mr Millar slammed the decision and said a "simple internet search seems to suggest that there are many firms offering a solution to these sorts of problems."
He added: "They are well-used used by locals and visitors alike, so for them not to be open this summer would be disastrous “I simply do not accept that there is no solution available in the council and urge the local authority to get its act together and try harder to rectify the problem.
“I did a quick internet search and it appears that there are a number of firms offering a solution to this issue. “If this is not sorted quickly young children and their families will really miss out and people will simply choose to go elsewhere."
Cllr Jo Nuttall, of Rhos-on-Sea ward, said: "The paddling pools bring hundreds of people to the area over the summer so this decision will also have an impact on local businesses too.
"The pool is one of the major attractions in the town and brings people into Rhos from far and wide."
Janet Finch-Saunders, MS for Aberconwy, penned a letter to cllr Aaron Wynne, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Conwy County Borough Council.
She wrote: "The kiosk in Craig y Don has recently been taken over. There is no doubt that the income the new business will have expected to generate when developing a business plan, will now be considerably lower because the pool is empty.
"Alongside this, all four facilities play a part in our County’s tourism offer."
Darren Randle, of Coast cafe bar and gift shop, who has taken on the tenancy at the paddling pool site - previously leased by Apprentice winner Alana Spencer - posted on Facebook that they plan to open their new cafe within the next few weeks whether the paddling pools are "filled or not".
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