Disappointment as pool unable to open for summer

A paddling pool will not be open for the summer despite Hull City Council previously saying that refurbishment would be completed in time for the holidays.

Pickering Park is due to have £540,000 spent upgrading its water play area.

The council said that work would not be finished "due to issues out of the council and appointed contractor's control".

A member of a local community group said he was "extremely disappointed" at the news.

Colin Jennings, committee member of the Friends of Pickering Park, said: "We were hopeful we would be open by now. They need to get the work done.

"I'm aware they have plans and they look fantastic. Designs on paper are all well and good, but we need the work doing."

The facility has been closed since 2023 over health and safety issues.

Hull West and Haltemprice Labour MP Emma Hardy raised the issue in a social media post.

"The project's been signed off, contractors chosen and yet, nothing is happening," she wrote.

"This isn't just disappointing, it's unfair."

A Hull City Council spokesperson said: "The council is committed to refurbishing the paddling pool at Pickering Park for its residents and visitors as we know how valued and loved it is by the local community.

"We would like to reassure residents this work is a priority for us, and we are working hard to ensure it is completed as soon as possible."

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