Paddling pool to reopen for school holidays

A popular paddling pool in Hull should reopen in time for the school summer holidays following a £540,000 refurbishment, the city council has confirmed.

The facility in Pickering Park has been closed since 2023 due to health and safety concerns and a consultation was held last year to look at improving the existing pool or building a new facility.

A tender document seen by the BBC estimates the improvement work will run between 16 June and 20 July.

Hull City Council said it "recognises the importance of this facility for local communities and shares their disappointment that it has been unable to open in previous years".

A spokesperson said: "Works are currently expected to be on site in June, and completed to allow opening this summer."

The tender document states the work at Pickering Park will include rebuilding the site's plant room, survey inspections on the existing concrete base and a new filtration system.

Companies looking to take on the project will have until 14 May to apply.

The Hull West and Hessle MP, Emma Hardy, wrote to Hull City Council earlier this month claiming she had been contacted by constituents asking about the pool.

In a letter to the council leader, Mike Ross, she said: "Pickering Park Pool is a brilliant, free resource for local families and has been deeply missed in the years it hasn't been open."

The BBC understands one of the main issues, which forced the closure of the pool, is the filter system being unable to cope with debris from nearby trees and grass cuttings.

People using the park earlier were sceptical about the pool being ready to reopen this year, but said they would welcome the development.

Callum Shaw, 31, said: "Loads of families would use it if it was open, especially if it was nice weather like we've had recently, but at the moment it's a waste of space.

"Right now it's covered in dirt and there's no water. They've got a lot of work to do if it's going to be open in a couple of months."

Sarah Beadle, from Hull, was visiting the park for the first time. She said it was a shame the facility was closed.

"We're gutted that it's not up and running. The splash pad at East Park is really popular and more people would come here if it was open, especially because it's free.

"The cost of going places for parents is really expensive at the moment so to have the pool open would be amazing.

"I hope they can do it."

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