FEARS for the future of Bewdley's paddling pool have been allayed as the park's charity group is set to take over running the facility.

The pool in Riverside North Park will re-open with a splash in July following an agreement between the Friends of Riverside North Park and Wyre Forest District Council.

The Shuttle reported in March how the pool would close in April after attempts to save it from the axe ended in disappointment.

But, in four months, the Friends group has become a registered charity in order to take on the lease for the pool from the district council - under its Localism initiative. The agreement involves the district council giving the group a one-off £4,000 to cover the pool's maintenance in the first year, and 50 per cent of running costs in the second year.

The Friends of Riverside North Park is to celebrate saving the pool by holding a pool party in the park on Saturday, July 15, to kickstart a new fundraising appeal to pay for the pool's running costs and future development.

Mac Chamberlain, chairman of the Friends group, said: "We are delighted to have secured the paddling pool's future and would like to thank Wyre Forest District Council for all the support they have given us.

"We are planning to open with a pool party at 11am on July 15, and we would like to invite as many Bewdley families along to celebrate.

"Our long-term aim is to organise some serious fundraising so we can develop the pool and eventually create a new water facility for the children. So please come along and support us."

Councillor Rebecca Vale, cabinet member for operational services, said: "I am sure Bewdley families and the town's many summer visitors will be delighted that the pool will remain.

"The Friends group has been very active in improving the park over the last few years and I am sure the pool will be in very safe hands."

Council leader Marcus Hart, who is responsible for Localism in Wyre Forest, added: "I would like to congratulate the Friends group for stepping up to the plate and taking on the running of the paddling pool.

"These are difficult economic times and our Localism Fund is allowing us to protect non-essential services like paddling pools by working more closely with community groups and local parish and town councils.

"Localism is not only about sharing responsibility, but giving local communities greater control over services in their area and the freedom to tailor them to meet local needs."

For more information about the Friends group and their event, search for 'Friends of Riverside North Park' on Facebook.