Conwy's popular paddling pools have reopened with a splash.

The paddling pools in Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr and Rhos-on-Sea opened on Friday (May 17) after a two-year wait for their return.

The local authority had come under heavy criticism last year after it revealed in April last year that the paddling pools would not re-open for Summer 2023 due to a high risk of people slipping.

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is one of those who has welcomed that three coastal paddling pools, which were closed for refurbishment last year, were opened for the weekend..

Early in 2023 Conwy County Council announced that the paddling pools at Rhos-on-Sea, Llanfairfechan, and Penmaenmawr would not be filled that year as refurbishment works needed to be carried out.

He, and others, had repeatedly called on the council “to get its act together” to ensure the popular paddling pools were reopened as soon as possible.

While it has taken longer than he had hoped, Mr Millar was pleased to be informed by the council that the three pools would be open again.

He said: “The three paddling pools are hugely popular and were greatly missed last year, so I am thrilled that an opening date has now been given and that locals and visitors can enjoy these free public pools once more.

“Whilst everyone appreciates that works need to be carried out on such facilities from time to time, I don’t think anyone anticipated just how long it would take and that all three pools would be out of action for an entire summer season.

“I know the contractors have worked extremely hard though and I thank them for all their efforts and for ensuring that the paddling pools will be open in time for the forthcoming bank holiday and half term.

“I am sure news of them opening again will spread fast, particularly given that they are three of only five free public paddling pools in North Wales.

“I just hope the weather is kind so that families from far and wide, as well as locally, can take full advantage of these free pools once again.”

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Cllr Aaron Wynne, Conwy’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, made the announcement last week.

He said: “I’m delighted to announce that following extensive refurbishment three of our paddling pools will be opening.

“This has been a major investment to secure the long term future of these much loved community assets.

“I’m pleased they will be open for the bank holiday weekend and I hope we have some good weather this summer so that everyone gets the chance to enjoy them.”

Meanwhile, work on the paddling pool in Craig-y-Don has entered the final stages.

Cllr Goronwy Edwards, cabinet member for environment, roads and facilities – infrastructure, added: “I’d like to thank our contractors for all their hard work, particularly given the almost constant wet weather we’ve had.

“They’ve really done all they can to get on site whenever conditions have allowed.