WORK to repair four paddling pool sites across Conwy is said to be "progressing well" but still no date has been given for opening. 

In early June, the Pioneer reported that Conwy County Borough Council had secured a contractor to undertake the "necessary work" at paddling pools in Craig y Don, Llanfairfechan, Penmaenmawr and Rhos on Sea.

Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) now say they have placed the order for the specialist coating [to fix slippery surfaces] and delivery is "expected soon" and that they will remain "free to use" when open. 

A spokesperson for the CCBC told the Pioneer said: "Work on the paddling pools is progressing well, dealing with a number of structural issues, and ensuring we’ll have a quality base and finish once completed. We’ve placed the order for the specialist coating and delivery is expected soon, we’ve not been made aware of any issues.

"This is a major investment to secure the long term future of these much loved community assets, and we do appreciate the communities’ patience whilst we carry out this essential work.

"The local contractor has gone over and above and we’re very grateful to them for all their hard work.

"We’re committed to getting the work completed safely and the facilities open as soon as we can, and we’d like to reassure everyone that the paddling pools will continue to be free of charge when they reopen.”

The Pioneer approached the council for an update after a post - by cllr Harry Saville, of Gogarth Mostyn ward, Llandudno, was shared by residents on Facebook.

Cllr Saville posted on Monday, July 10: "Five weeks ago councillors received an update on the outstanding works at local paddling pools, including Craig y Don's. At the time, we were told that work would begin on installing the new anti-slip surface in three or four weeks, so I popped down this evening to look at how things were coming along.

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"I'm no expert on pools, but with exposed grooves in the pool's surface and a mini-digger still in situ, it doesn't look like this work has started."

Cllr Saville added he would be asking for clarification from Conwy Council. 

The local authority came under fire in April after saying it would not be re-opening the four pools as normal in May 2023 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.

The council made the decision not to open its pools following a full safety audit of all sites. Some areas were deemed as "a high slip risk".

Public outcry and criticism from politicians – including Clwyd West MS Darren Millar who called on the council to “get its act together” – resulted in the authority hastily securing a new contractor.