North Yorkshire Council has temporarily closed three popular local paddling pools after engineers identified potential issues with their drainage systems during recent maintenance checks.
The closures affect the outdoor facilities at Valley Gardens in Harrogate, Bebra Gardens in Knaresborough, and Borrage Green in Ripon. The problems were flagged under a new, more stringent inspection process introduced after the council took over direct responsibility for the venues.
Because the required drainage system updates are extensive, the council was unable to open the pools in time for the recent May Bank Holiday. Specialist engineers are scheduled to visit all three sites later this week to assess the full extent of the work, which will determine exactly how long the venues must stay shut. Council bosses hope to have the repairs completed and the pools open to families by the start of the school summer holidays in mid-July.
Karl Battersby, North Yorkshire Council’s Corporate Director for Environment, said:
“We are taking a more thorough approach to inspecting sites like these, and as a result our engineers have identified a potential issue with the drainage system which needs further investigation. Our priority is the safety of the public, and as a precaution the pools will remain closed while this work is carried out. We know how valued these facilities are by local families, especially during warmer weather like we’re experiencing now, and we are working to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.”
Future progress updates regarding the repairs will be posted directly to the council’s dedicated parks and games webpage.
