New paddling pool forced to close due to leak

Grace McGrory
BBC News
BBC A largely empty paddling pool with a small amount of water in the bed. The floor is electric blue with a yellow border. There are workmen to the right who are wearing hi-vis jackets and are looking at the floor. To the left is a modern building dominated by a glass frontage.BBC
The Maple Leaf Pool is part of the £7.5m Seaview Colonnade project
Amy Carr
BBC News

A paddling pool that opened in May following a £500,000 renovation has been forced to close due to a leak.

The Maple Leaf Pool, in Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire, has been shut since 6 June.

East Lindsey District Council (ELDC) said the pool was unexpectedly losing water because of issues with the circulation and drainage system.

Work was under way to find a solution, but further investigations were required before a reopening date could be confirmed.

The council had hoped to reopen the pool on 30 June, but on Thursday a spokesperson confirmed that a test refilling had been unsuccessful.

A woman smiling at the camera. She has blonde hair which is tied up in a ponytail and is wearing sunglasses. Behind her are railings and floral displays.
Megan Lawson wanted her children to enjoy a day at the pool

Megan Lawson, from Mablethorpe, brought her young children for a day out at the pool, only to discover it was closed.

She said: "It's a shame really, especially in this weather. You need something to keep the children cool."

ELDC said the focus was on "getting it fixed and right for the long-term" rather than "rushing to find the solution that allows us to reopen the quickest".

A spokesperson said the works would not result in additional cost to the council or taxpayer.

A further attempt to refill the pool would take place in the coming days and, if successful, a reopening date would be confirmed.

A largely empty paddling pool with a small amount of water in the bed. The floor is electric blue with a yellow border. In the background is a modern building dominated by a glass frontage.
The pool includes interactive water play features

Refurbishment work on the pool began in 2023 as part of the £7.5m Seaview Colonnade project.

When the pool opened on 24 May, the final bill of £524,000 was £124,000 over the initial budget.

ELDC previously blamed the increased cost on a new underground filtration system, as well as a rise in the price of materials and labour.

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