Calls for attention to seafront favourite

But Wyre Council insists the facility is not a paddling pool and should not be used for that purpose.

Fleetwood great grandmother Ivy Shawcross is one of the residents who have complained about the state of the pool, which is next to the model yachting lake on The Esplanade.

Mrs Shawcross, 69 of Rede Avenue, says the shallow pool has been used for paddling by families for generations and is the only amenity of its kind on Fleetwood seafront after the paddling pool in the Marine Gardens became a paid-for splash pad.

She said: “The state of the pool is absolutely disgusting. Lots of horrible looking algae has been allowed to cover the surface. You can’t see down to the bottom and there could be glass or anything there. It looks a mess and it isn’t safe. I phoned Wyre Council and to be fair, there were a couple of council staff there on Friday and one of them was using a rake on the water. Unfortunately, it’s hardly made any difference. If it is worth having, it is worth keeping in a decent state. Would it be like this if it was in Poulton or Cleveleys?”

Mrs Shawcross’ concerns were echoed by Facebook users from the town.

But a Wyre Council spokesman said: “Keeping the model yacht lake and Marine boating lake in good condition for sports and leisure activities is our main priority.

“We are draining the small model yacht pond this week and looking at how best to deal with the algae. However it is not suitable for use as a paddling pool. We’d encourage people to use the Marine Splash and the water play area in Marine Gardens.”