Delay-hit paddling pool finally reopens

A paddling pool, which has undergone a half-a-million-pound refurbishment and suffered numerous delays, has finally reopened in Hull.

The water play area at Pickering Park was due to reopen on 18 July but was postponed because water quality testing had not been carried out.

Hull City Council confirmed on social media earlier that the facility had now opened to the public until September 6.

The BBC has approached the authority for comment.

The project, which has cost £549,507, has seen numerous delays and false starts since it was closed three years ago due to health and safety concerns.

Hull City Council originally hoped it would be open in 2025 but that plan was cancelled because the renovation work had not started.

The Labour MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, Emma Hardy, said the reopening would be a "huge relief for the community" and said she had enjoyed taking her own children to the pool.

"Local families have been waiting for three years for this pool to reopen so it's a huge relief for the community," she said.

"The area doesn't have a huge amount of free stuff for families so to lose it has definitely had an impact.

"I hope families go, it's free, it's safe, cool down in the hot weather and I hope they have lots of fun."

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