Storm Damage Delays Maintenance Work on North Wales Paddling Pool

Maintenance work on a North Wales paddling pool has been delayed by storm damage. Seawater and debris thrown up by Storm Pierrick has held up repairs to the attraction at Craig y Don, Llandudno.
Conwy came under fire one year ago after announcing that paddling pools in Craig-y-Don, Rhos-on-Sea, Llanfairfechan, and Penmaenmawr would not reopen in 2023, due to a high risk of people slipping. The authority claimed the only UK provider capable of treating the pools with specialist anti-slip coating was unable to complete the work due to ill health.
But Conwy County Council now says Llanfairfechan paddling pool is finally ready for the summer, claiming contractors are also now in the final stages of work at Rhos-on-Sea and Penmawnmawr – and are awaiting dry weather to finish. A date yet to be set for the reopening of the Craig y Don pool.
A Conwy County Council spokeswoman said waves overtopping the promenade last week caused Craig y Don paddling pool to be flooded with seawater and debris. “Following Storm Pierrick, it’ll take a few days to empty Craig-y-Don paddling pool, clear the debris, and inspect for storm damage before work can continue.“Conwy’s cabinet member for culture and leisure and cabinet member for environment, roads, facilities, and infrastructure paid a visit to two of the sites recently. The project team explained the work that’s been completed to date and provided an update on progress to ensure the facilities open for the summer season and are fit for purpose for many years to come,” the spokeswoman added.
“The council is proud of the fact that it has four of only five remaining free public paddling pools in North Wales and recognises the importance of them to both local people and to our visitor economy. We have invested heavily in all of our paddling pools over the past year to ensure their future is secure, and we are grateful for the patience of our communities whilst this essential work has been taking place,” the spokesperson said,
Cllr Aaron Wynne said: “This has been a major investment to secure the long-term future of these much-loved community assets, and I’m pleased to report that work is progressing well.” Cllr Goronwy Edwards said: “Despite almost continuous rain since July, our contractors have pulled out all the stops, and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work.”

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter