Paddling is banned at Devizes town park (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Paddling is banned at Devizes town park

11:00am Saturday 16th March 2013 in News

Devizes Town Council is warning people not to paddle in the reflective pool at Hillworth Park.

The pool was one of several new features in the park when it re-opened after a £1.8 million refurbishment last summer.

It was never designed to be a paddling pool, but rather an architectural feature.

However, its low level access appealed to children and it quickly established itself as a paddling pool.

Damage occurred as a result of people riding bikes, scooters and skateboards through and around the pool, forcing the town council to close it for a short time.

Now the town council’s recreation and properties committee has agreed a new sign should be installed by the pool explaining its purpose and deterring people from paddling in it.

Planted troughs will also be placed around the pool to act as a physical boundary.

Councillor Ian Hopkins said: “Essentially we are going to have to re-educate people about the true purpose of this facility. People may have been naive about what it was about.”

Councillor Sarah Bridewell said: “In nice weather, kids want to get in the water and adults do actively encourage them to do so.”