St George's Paddling Pool Kidderminster to be removed

Kidderminster Town Council decided last October to permanently close St George's Paddling Pool, as recommended by the Operational Services Committee.

It had been mothballed since 2022 on health and safety grounds with the council saying the costs to repair and run it were too high.

It has announced this week that work will begin to remove the paddling pool on February 2.

The concrete pool will be removed and the area will be "sensitively integrated back into the wider landscape of St George's park."

The town council said in a statement: "Kidderminster Town Council wishes to inform residents and park users that works are scheduled to commence 2 February on the closure of the St George's paddling pool.

"The planned works will involve the removal of the existing concrete paddling pool structure.

"Following this, the area will be sympathetically restored to ensure it is sensitively integrated back into the wider landscape of St George's park.

"Whilst some temporary disruption may be experienced during the works the Town Council will make every effort to keep this to an absolute minimum and to complete the project as efficiently as possible. "Kidderminster Town Council appreciates the patience and understanding of residents and visitors during this period and remains committed to maintaining and improving the town's green spaces for the benefit of the community.

"Further updates will be provided as work progresses."

Commenting on this decision, Councillor Doug Hine said at the time: "Unfortunately, while everyone would like to see a paddling pool open for the children of Kidderminster on the eastern side of town, the costs to repair and run it have been found to be too high. Over 3 years, the council has sought grant funding for it, but no source has been forthcoming.

"The council has also tried to work with the residents' groups, but they have not been successful in getting sufficient support to partner with the Council in running the pool.

"A splash pad in St George’s Park could be looked at in the future. This would be cheaper than a pool and is still a useful play area in colder months when the water is turned off."