FOUR paddling pools will be ready for the summer season, claims Conwy County Council.

Although an exact date is yet to be given, the council says it has invested in its four paddling pools at Craig y Don, Llandudno; Rhos on Sea; Penmaenmawr, and Llanfairfechan.

Conwy came under heavy criticism last year after it announced in April 2023 that all four paddling pools would not re-open that summer due to a high risk of people slipping.

Conwy claimed that the only UK provider able to install a specialist anti-slip coating around the pool was unavailable to work due to ill health.

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Now Conwy has said all four paddling pools will reopen for the ‘summer season’ following refurbishment.

An authority spokeswoman said 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.

Cllr Aaron Wynne, Conwy’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “This has been a major investment to secure the long-term future of these much-loved community assets.

“I’d like to reassure residents that we’re committed to getting the work completed at all sites for the benefit of those living and visiting our county. Whilst we understand the disappointment caused last year, we are pleased that we have been able to invest to protect the future of all four of our paddling pools and look forward to opening them for the summer season 2024.”

A council spokeswoman added: “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.”

But one resident contacted the local democracy reporting service unsatisfied by the announcement.

Llandudno resident Phil Ashe said: “In September Cllr Aaron Wynne said the paddling pool would be ready as normal. Then today they are saying they will be ready for the summer, so are they pushing the date back?”

Conwy County Council said an exact date for the summer season and the paddling pools’ reopening was unavailable at this time.