United Utilities promise new £1m paddling pool for Fleetwood next summer after major sewage spill
”When United Utilities came to me asking how they could compensate the community for some of the disruption locally, I told them we wanted an accessible paddling pool”
Fleetwood is to get a brand new, £1 million, free-to-use paddling pool that will be open in time for next summer.
It will be in the Marine Hall Gardens - replacing the disused bowling greens - and will be partly funded by United Utilities as part of a compensation commitment after being slapped by a £900k fine for pumping raw sewage into the sea.
Fleetwood’s much-loved paddling pool was concreted over more than a decade ago and the area replaced with play equipment - much to the heartbreak of local people who still feel the loss years on.
United Utilities are investing more than a million in funding plus project management and the workforce needed to have this open for next summer.
Wyre Council are supporting the project and working to gift the land to Fleetwood Town Council, ensuring this paddling pool remains in public hands.
Together, they will also work to ensure the maintenance is as affordable as possible with recycled water systems, protections against sand ingress and ensuring Fleetwood Town Council has the funding and support needed to make sure it stays free.
Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers has been campaigning for years for a new paddling pool.
She said that when the old paddling pool was concreted over and replaced with a smaller splash pad, Fleetwood lost a community space and a tourist attraction.
She said: “Last year, when I asked Fleetwood what we should do with Labour’s £20 million Pride in Place investment, it was clear that the loss was still felt by the community with hundreds of people asking if we could bring the paddling pool back.
“So, when United Utilities came to me asking how they could compensate the community for some of the disruption locally, I told them we wanted an accessible paddling pool that’s free for everyone and belongs to Fleetwood, and that’s exactly what we’re getting.”
Lorraine Beavers said: “I believe in nationalising water, it should be back in public hands, and I will continue to work towards that but when Louise Beardmore, Chief Exec of United Utilities, said Fleetwood deserved compensating, I couldn’t help but agree.
“This paddling pool will give everyone in Blackpool North & Fleetwood a free community space by next summer. It will provide an accessible space everyone can use, including disabled children and low-income families because we need more spaces where communities can come together, connect & make friends.
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I’m also really pleased that this project will support Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs and bring increased tourism to Fleetwood so I’m currently exploring how we support local businesses to maximise on this opportunity.
Our promenade is already accessible and our community understand more than most that life can be challenging, so I want to make us the most accessible part of the Fylde Coast, offering a welcoming tourist destination or home to people who face barriers everywhere they go. This is just the first part of that plan and I am absolutely thrilled that we’re off to such an incredible start.”
Cheryl Raynor, Chair of Fleetwood Town Council said: “Lorraine and I have been working to bring a free-to-use paddling pool back to Fleetwood for years and I am absolutely thrilled that we have found a way to make that happen.
“This paddling pool will belong to Fleetwood under the stewardship of Fleetwood Town Council and our priority is ensuring it remains free-to-use for everyone and supports our local community and economy.”